When I hear the word "hospitality" I think of the welcoming homes I have known: those where the owners were glad to see me, ushered me into their abode as if I were royalty and proceeded to serve and visit until way past the time we should have parted. These are the homes whose memories warm my heart, and these are the people who have had the most impact on me in my life.
True hospitality is genuine, warm, and servant-hearted. To me, hospitality is a way of life that stems from a desire to share what the Lord has given us, be it food, drink, wisdom, counsel, or a good story- for the encouragement of others and furtherment of the gospel of Christ.
Hospitality is transparent and relational, and that is who God is. My family has utilized hospitality in our home for as long as I can recollect, to minister to and disciple people. Hospitality is a more personal way to accommodate people and it touches people emotionally because you spend quality time with them, show them care, often in a comforting home environment, and that influences people's hearts to be more receptive. Something surreal transpires when we have guests over to our home, as if a cloud of grace has enveloped our home. Guests have noted this. All I can verbalize is that hospitality is a gift of the Holy Spirit, and it must be His presence we feel. I believe this is because we intentionally share our very selves. God is a relational God, and he wants his children to pursue relationship. Not only because that is a way to communicate his gospel, but also because when believers practice love one to another it is a whiteness (John 13:35)(1 John 4:7) that they are Gods disciples.
"Inviting neighbors and friends into our home for a meal provides the perfect atmosphere for sharing the gospel. Our Lord used table talk effectively to engage people in spiritual discussions and life-changing encounters. (Luke 7:36-50, 11:37-54, 14:1-24.)
The gospel in itself is a gracious invitation to come and enjoy God's home and lavish banquet for eternity. (Luke 14:16-24, John 14:2,3.) "
-- "The Hospitality Commands"' by Alexander Strauch, pp21, 22
"Hospitality is more than just a talent, it is a gift of the Holy Spirit. It is a supernatural ministry which, when combined with righteous living, bathed in prayer, and dedicated to the Lord, can be used by God far beyond anything we ask or think."
-- "Open Heart Open Home" by Karen Maines, pp24
The belief that hospitality is important and the actual practice of hospitality are two different things. Many Christians never advance beyond the theory level. Although hospitality is a gift of the Holy Spirit, Christians are to practice it and develop the gift, regardless of whether it comes naturally, or easily. You may say, "This is important, the Bible instructs us to do this, and it will help our church; it will make our congregation a closer, more loving place." But unless you plan ahead, you'll be busy this week, and the next, and the week after that. You may rarely get around to opening your home to people in your church or your non-Christian friends and neighbors.
God requires every Christian to pursue hospitality. Rom. 12:13, and 1 Tim. 3:2. The Greek word translated "hospitality" means "love of strangers." When Paul speaks of being "given to hospitality" Rom. 12:13, he is calling us to pursue relationships with people who are in need. It is not an easy task.
Christian hospitality is a practical expression of brotherly and sisterly love. (Heb. 13: 1, 2.) In Genesis 18 Abraham shows hospitality to three strangers that show up at his home. Bowing to them as a sign of respect, begging them to honor him with their presence, and serving them a huge feast.
Christian hospitality seeks to minister to friends, family, and neighbors. As well as the poor, the uninvited, and the needy of society. ( Acts 5:42, 20:20, Luke 5:29, Luke 14:12-14.) There have always been refugees; People who have run away from their own countries because of bad treatment or something else, and who must find new homes and new lives in other countries. Because of this crisis there are hundreds of men woman and children that are left out on the streets. What if we were to show these refugees the same kindness and care that we show to our dearest friends and own families?
At heart, we are all selfish. Selfishness is the greatest enemy of hospitality. We do not want to be discommoded. Our own comforts take precedent in our lives above all else. Our privacy or our time are idolized and not often given to others. We want to be free to go about our business without interference or concern for other people's needs. We don't want the work and responsibility that cordial reception entails. Does this sound like a child of God or a selfish sinner? Ultimately, these attitudes, thoughts, and behavior are worldly. It is the opposite of love. It is totally opposed to everything Jesus taught and lived. Therefore, we must confess our sin against God and his people and seek to serve others as He has commanded.
Despite the joy experienced when practicing Christian hospitality, it is easy to neglect it during times of spiritual stress and apathy. Neglect, however, is a sure sign of slacking love. It is a sign that you are more concerned with yourself than others. Remember the recipe for JOY is Jesus, Others, (then) You. Often it is during times when we are most tempted to neglect hospitality that we are in need of it the most. Persevering and seeing it through by an act of obedience often brings an abundant blessing that you otherwise would have missed. Also, it is a great way to get your eyes off yourself and minister to others, a known healing balm for depression. Truthfully, if we wait for circumstances to be just right, and everybody in the right mood, it will never happen. Don't let the enemy distract you from obeying God's command to be hospitable to your brothers and sisters in Christ. Satan doesn't want our churches to be strong loving places. He wants people to be so wrapped up in themselves that they don't reach out to others. As long as it stays that way, the church will not be a powerful tool in the building of the kingdom of God. God's people will not be blessed by the affections of Christian love. Our neighbors will never know what a Christian home looks like, and the needy will remain needy.
Rosanna ♥
