They felt that it was a command of God to be kind to the stranger. Thus when the stranger was without one's house or tent, or within the walls of the city, the host must see to his welfare. If needs be, he must protect him from bodily injury. More than this, food and shelter from the weather were provided. It is easy to see that where hospitality is shown, there persons come to know one another.
Friendships can spring up and last.
Deep community roots develop. On this basis, it can be seen that the rule of hospitality is not just so much legalism. It is not just another command. As a rule, it grows out of the texture of life lived at its richest and fullest. If practical Christianity means anything, it means that the love which was shed abroad in the hearts of men through Christ ought to shine again from us in brotherly love.