Charity vs Hospitality

(A perfect example of how things end up in drafts. Half finished thoughts.)

Shannon and I touched on this idea of where the line between hospitality and charity happens. I think it is that we are hospitable to those we consider to be equals in some way and charitable to those who are not. Generally speaking, hospitality is something that could be reciprocated and charity is never expected to be reciprocated. The assumption that the person recieving charity could have nothing to offer in return.

I don't think that is really as true as we think, and we are called to be in community with the poor precisely so they can offer us hospitality in return. No, they may never ask us to dinner but their friendship and perspective and sympathetic ear are more valuable to someone who has never been hungry for a mere meal.