Pursuing Hospitality

I’m racing around cleaning up the house, a “white tornado” as my best friend calls it. My son asks “mom who’s coming over?” Sigh. Does that scenario sound familiar to you? If so, discover what I’ve learned about pursuing hospitality!

Every time I have people over I make myself crazy trying to get the house in “perfect” order. To make it worse, I probably spend more time picking up as I “entertain” than I do truly connecting.

Having guests over had become less authentic and more of a facade. I decided to look into learning more about hospitality because I know being hospitable shouldn’t start and end in exhaustion.

When I think about pursuing hospitality, I imagine having people in my home and entertaining them with a happy heart. But when I looked to the bible to see what it said about hospitality, I was surprised by what I found. In fact, it has nothing to do with entertaining.

What is hospitality?

The Oxford definition of hospitality is the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers.

The Oxford definition of entertaining is providing amusement or enjoyment.

I used to work in the hospitality industry, which is service to strangers.

The Greek translation for hospitality is “love for strangers”.

And, here’s what the bible says:

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. 1 Peter 4:8-9

For I was hungry and you gave me nothing to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me nothing to drink, I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.’ “They also will answer, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or needing clothes or sick or in prison, and did not help you?’ “He will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did not do for one of the least of these, you did not do for me.’ Matthew 25:42-45

Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. Romans 12:13

So to be hospitable is to love and serve others, even strangers!

Pursuing hospitality

Hospitality is different than entertaining or hosting a party, although you can be hospitable while entertaining & hosting a party. I feel like I have a grip at entertaining but not so much at hospitality.

My focus has just been in the wrong place when I welcome someone into my home. Being hospitable means being intentional toward my guests. My home is not going to be graded on google for things such as food, amenities & cleanliness.

Rather, did my guest leave my home feeling welcomed and loved? Did I show them Jesus and did they see Jesus? Did they experience peace, goodness and joy or watch me busy about with little connection?

We see this example when Jesus visited the house of Martha & Mary. Read more about it here: A lesson about Martha & Mary

Hospitality doesn’t have to be exhausting. This is our chance to open our home and show our guests Jesus.

A wise woman once said, “I am the house, I am the hospitality. I’m going to welcome you as you are and give you me as I am.”

I’m learning that every encounter I have with someone that I welcome into my home has a purpose. It’s an opportunity to shine the light of Jesus, sow seeds and offer what I have without being greedy. Ensuring their needs are met and serving them in love. Not to just my family and friends, but even to strangers!

Practicing Hospitality

A woman is the heart of her home. She finds pleasure is opening her home. Her light has not gone dim. You might like Let your light shine.

I was reading Proverbs 31 and many attributes of this woman stuck out to me in regard to hospitality.

“She’s quick to assist anyone in need, reaches out to help the poor.” v 20

“She opens her mouth with wisdom, And on her tongue is the law of kindness.” v 26

“She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. Many women do noble things, but you surpass them all. Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the Lord is to be praised. Honor her for all that her hands have done” v 27-31

Hospitality is not about perfection, but a sincere heart. I’m eager to resume life post covid and put these pursuits into practice.

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