Practicing Hospitality
Why Hospitality?
An article from The Gospel Coalition uses the Word of God to explain to us the “why” behind Biblical Hospitality. Hospitality is a vehicle for evangelism. As you open your life and home up to those God has put around you, how you live and speak, the peace you have, the wisdom you share, and the kindness that flows out of you will speak volumes to those who witness it about the reality of Christ.
Let’s consider these passages when asking why living out biblical hospitality is to be a cornerstone in the lives of believers:
According to John 14:15, 21–24, the primary evidence that one is a Christian and loves her heavenly Father is her choice to obey his commands. Though we live in a world that promotes “having things your own way,” I learned that to please the Lord I need to respond to all of his instructions with an obedient spirit, not just pick those that appeal to me—and this includes our response to what his Word teaches about hospitality.
Romans 12:13b says we are to practice hospitality—literally, to “pursue the love of strangers” (Heb. 13:2)—not simply to hang out with our best friends. If we want to demonstrate obedience to our heavenly Father, we will practice biblical hospitality.
1 Peter 4:9 builds on the instruction to practice hospitality and reminds us that our attitude is of utmost importance—we are to practice hospitality without complaining. This verse challenges us to conduct a heart search to discern whether we’re approaching this opportunity to minister with a “hearty attitude” (Col. 3:23).
We are reminded in Hebrews 13:2 that our willingness to extend hospitality may have far-reaching implications. If we study the lives of Abraham and Sarah (Gen. 18:1-3), Lot (Gen. 19:1–2), Gideon (Judg. 6:11–24), and Manoah (Judges 13:6–20), we learn that all entertained strangers were actually special messengers from God. While our motive should never be to give in order to receive, Luke 6:38 clearly states the measuring cup we’re to use to dispense our gifts and talents will be the same one used to provide our own. What’s the size of your hospitality measuring cup?
Third John 7–8 challenges us to extend hospitality to those involved in vocational Christian ministry. It’s exciting to know that as we share our homes and resources with our Lord’s servants, we become an active part of their ministries.
One of the requirements for individuals involved in church leadership, according to 1 Timothy 3:1–2 and Titus 1:7–8, is a willingness to allow others to observe them inside their homes—the arena in which their Christianity is most graphically revealed. Are you privileged to be in a leadership position in your church? If so, remember that these verses are qualifications, not suggestions.
Cultivate a Hospitable Heart
In the same article, The Gospel Coalition articulates how we can cultivate a hospitable heart and begin taking steps to open up our hearts, lives and homes. Here’s what they share:
As we consider the scriptural passages that challenge us to practice hospitality, most of us can recall a time when we tried to extend friendship and were met with rejection. If you’re like me, Satan can use that rejection as a roadblock to prevent you from obeying God on future occasions.
If we are to cultivate a heart of biblical hospitality, we must refuse to rely on our achievements or to dwell on our failures. And we must lay aside past rejections and grudges. Instead, we must seek to climb the “hospitality mountain.” The work is not easy, but it’s worth it. The ascent begins with developing proper climbing strategies; here are some to get you started:
Collect and file simple, inexpensive recipes for desserts and meals.
Make a list of people who would be encouraged by your offer of hospitality.
Make a plan to invite your first guests soon.
Start simple—spontaneously inviting someone home after church is a great beginning.
Pray that our hospitable God will give you joy in demonstrating his character to others.
Remember that memories require time and energy to create.
Purpose to nurture a heart for biblical hospitality that sincerely communicates: “Come back soon.”
Practical Practices
Here are a few ideas for living out hospitality:
Invite people to your home, invite believers and unbelievers alike. No one has to be your project, you can simply love them like your neighbor. Make plans for a play date with kids, brunch, dinner, dessert, or game night.
Start a Bible study and invite your neighbors.
Follow up with neighbors who have shared prayer requests in your Facebook group. If a neighbor has shared a need and you are able to meet it, do it!
Invite your kids into the process! Let them help you cook, set the table, or create the kids menu. They are not a burden, they are watching and learning. What you teach them about hospitality can set the foundation for them in the future to live hospitable lives.
If you’re not in a season where hosting is ideal or possible, take it outside the home. Invite a friend to meet you for a picnic, coffee, or even a walk in the park. Being hospitable is mostly about living with an open heart and making time for people who might need a little extra love or encouragement.
If you want to have people over for dinner, but you aren’t very confident in your cooking abilities or you want to be respectful of personal preferences or dietary restrictions, consider hosting a “BYOD” (Bring Your Own Dinner) party! Then everyone can bring the food they know they can have, but you still get to share a meal together.
Resources
Our team has gathered a few resources for you: