“I wonder whether because of being too attached to the members of your family, you failed to properly receive uninvited guests, who therefore were not welcomed and went away. Homes from which guests go away without having been received even with an offering of a little water are like those holes in the field which are the homes of jackals.” (Shrimad-Bhagavatam 8.16.6-7)
The homes of human beings where uninvited guests, are not properly received are like the homes of jackals. It is the duty of a householder to receive guests and treat them very nicely. At least water and a seat should be offered. If they come from out of town then food should also be offered. If they come from out of the country then a room should be offered for their stay. This is the Vedic culture which originates from Lord Krishna Himself. If one is engaged in devotional activities at the time of guests arriving at the door. The devotional activities must be stopped to greet, receive, and serve the guests. This is the purpose of religion, to develop higher consciousness and give up being self-centered and thinking that this is mine. By serving others, we slowly develop the consciousness of giving up and letting go of attachments and increase the service to all attitude. Lord Chaitanya stated the mood of a genuine devotee should be: I am a servant of the servants.
“A person who is not very rich and is attached to family life becomes highly glorified when saintly persons are present in his home. The master and servants who are engaged in offering the exalted visitors water, a sitting place and paraphernalia for reception are glorified, and the home itself is also glorified.” (Shrimad-Bhagavatam 4.22.10)