Biblical Hospitality
Monday, November 2, 2009
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“Hospitality is becoming an almost forgotten Christian virtue in our style of life today… In the New Testament, however, hospitality was a distinctive mark of Christians and Christian communities.” ~Alexander Strauch
For most folks, life is busy. Just plain busy. Sometimes it seems we don't have time to stop and even catch our breath. But what about entertaining? Entertaining? Seriously? Most folks barely even get dinner on the table on time! But did you know... hospitality is a biblical command.
Time and time again we see in Scripture that we are told to practice hospitality. In fact, it is a requirement for Elders and Deacons (1 Timothy 3:2). But what does hospitality look like? For years I reasoned that I was indeed a hospitable person. After all, I made sure I signed up to take a meals to families when a need arose. I was kind and made small talk with new folks at church and reached out when someone needed a hand. But, just what does hospitality truly mean?
"Keep on loving each other as brothers. Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." Hebrews 13:1,2
"Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling." 1 Peter 4:9
"Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth." 3 John 5-8
"Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling." 1 Peter 4:9
"Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth." 3 John 5-8
"Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality." Romans 12:13
Time and time again we see in Scripture that we are told to practice hospitality. In fact, it is a requirement for Elders and Deacons (1 Timothy 3:2). But what does hospitality look like? For years I reasoned that I was indeed a hospitable person. After all, I made sure I signed up to take a meals to families when a need arose. I was kind and made small talk with new folks at church and reached out when someone needed a hand. But, just what does hospitality truly mean?
Hospitality
the friendly reception and treatment of guests or strangers
the quality or disposition of receiving and treating guests and strangers in a warm, friendly, generous way.
the friendly reception and treatment of guests or strangers
the quality or disposition of receiving and treating guests and strangers in a warm, friendly, generous way.
Did you get a couple of those key words.... RECEPTION and RECEIVING. This implies having someone actually in your home. Inviting someone in to your world, into your family. Oftentimes hospitality revolves around some sort of meal; although it might just mean inviting someone in for a glass of lemonade and cookies or simply a cold glass of water or hot cup of tea.
Yes... we are commanded to have people in our homes, for the purpose of entertaining them with our fellowship. Don't get me wrong -
taking meals to someone in need is an incredible act of service (which is also commanded) but this isn't the same thing as hospitality. Ministering to folks in other places - at the park, at the coffee shop, at church - these are also important as well, but it's just not the same as having someone in our home.
When we invite someone into our home, there is a vulnerability that can't help but happen. I think this is why sometimes it is so hard. It's easy to make excuses....
Excuse: We just can't afford to make a big fancy meal
Reality: The Bible doesn't command a big fancy meal. Cornbread and beans would do just fine!
Excuse: But my house is a wreck
Reality: Most folks don't care what your house looks like; but if it bothers you then work towards keeping a tidy house so this doesn't become your excuse
Excuse: I'm not a social person
Reality: Get over it - God commanded it - you need to do it! It's time to step out of your comfort zone and let God work through you and in you for His glory and not your own!
Excuse: Oh, I plan to have someone over, but I need to get this, this and this done first. And just as soon as I do, my doors are open!
Reality: Procrastination only leads to procrastination. Stop talking about it and do it or the moment will pass you by.
Excuse: But it will cut into our family time
Reality: What better way to spend your family time than by ministering to others. Besides, your time belongs to God - use it for Him.
Yes... we are commanded to have people in our homes, for the purpose of entertaining them with our fellowship. Don't get me wrong -
taking meals to someone in need is an incredible act of service (which is also commanded) but this isn't the same thing as hospitality. Ministering to folks in other places - at the park, at the coffee shop, at church - these are also important as well, but it's just not the same as having someone in our home.When we invite someone into our home, there is a vulnerability that can't help but happen. I think this is why sometimes it is so hard. It's easy to make excuses....
Excuse: We just can't afford to make a big fancy meal
Reality: The Bible doesn't command a big fancy meal. Cornbread and beans would do just fine!
Excuse: But my house is a wreck
Reality: Most folks don't care what your house looks like; but if it bothers you then work towards keeping a tidy house so this doesn't become your excuse
Excuse: I'm not a social person
Reality: Get over it - God commanded it - you need to do it! It's time to step out of your comfort zone and let God work through you and in you for His glory and not your own!
Excuse: Oh, I plan to have someone over, but I need to get this, this and this done first. And just as soon as I do, my doors are open!
Reality: Procrastination only leads to procrastination. Stop talking about it and do it or the moment will pass you by.
Excuse: But it will cut into our family time
Reality: What better way to spend your family time than by ministering to others. Besides, your time belongs to God - use it for Him.
If hospitality isn't "your thing" or you just haven't made it a priority, I would encourage you to spend some time over the next several days praying about this. Ask him to give you opportunities to show Biblical Hospitality to someone (or many someones).... and then be ready. You never know just whom He might have you entertain. (Hebrews 13:2)
Leave your link below to join in the discussion today as we answer these questions:
What excuses have you used lately to justify not "entertaining" in you home?
What are some steps you can take to prepare your home to have others over?
What are some steps you need to take to prepare your heart for an attitude?
I'm SO private, have so many things to do all the time, and find my family in a very difficult stage of life (i.e. financially struggling) that with those 3 factors I would prefer to never have anyone in our home. But more and more, God has been asking me to open up my tiny, stained-from=-previous-tenants-pets carpet, leaking-ceiling-that-our-landlord-won't-fix apartment. It drains me emotionally, but I've been obeying. :) I'm not sure I'll ever have the "gift" of hospitality, in that I'll thrive on having people in my home, but I sure am finding people want to keep returning to it, such as it is! It's not nice, but it's full of love and I guess that's what people are hungry for, eh?
This is perfect timing for me. Our home is small and old but I think I do a pretty good job of fixing it up. Hospitality is not about how pretty our homes are...that is pride. Hospitality is about what we offer others of ourselves.
Hospitality is seemingly losing it's rightful place in our lives. I know for sure that I have to get better at it.
smooches,
Larie
Oh, I also wanted to say that our family loves to entertain, we just don't do it often enough.
smooches,
Larie
Thanks, Chelsey. I used to be so anti-social and I know the Lord has changed me in that area. We now have women in our home for a Bible study every week. It started as a labor of love, but it's been such a blessing. I have 8 or 9 women in my life now that I am so close to because we have opened our home and hearts to them and we've studied God's Word and grown together for years now. We also need to do more of this, but I'm grateful that every week when Tuesday rolls around our home is open.
Sometimes, "Spur of the Moment" is best!! I know for myself - I can tend to think about what I need to do, do, do and in wanting it to be "just perfect" I will then waste myself, emotionally or physically so that when guests are actually in our home, I'm already "burnt out" and I don't have much to give relationaly. That bothers me about myself.
On the flip side, I do notice people's homes - if they're tidy or not. It shows how much they care about themselves or others in their homes. (I'm not saying spotlessly clean). It makes me feel more relaxed if I can sense order, in the home and "peace". AM I WRONG to EXPECT that in others? Because, this bothers me about myself, as well.
So, all that to say this: I find it easier to make my home (more of) a priority so that in the event of a "Spur of the moment" round of hospitatliy. I can totally enjoy it, because I've been preparing all along. Although, I will admit...it is not spotlessly clean. I actually depise cleaning, to be quite honest. This bothers me about myself, too. ;)
This is perfect timing! Because I've been doing a series on hospitality on my blog, I've been thinking a lot about it. God commands it and names it as a required quality in a Biblical elder, so it must be very important. What I have found, though, is I'm always the receiver of the blessing when I just obey and do it. The more I reach out to people in love, (that's really what it's all about) the easier it gets. And that's how the next generation becomes more comfortable with it, I think, because they will have grown up with it. (The book Open Heart Open Home by Karen Mains really influenced me in the early years of practicing hospitality--I highly recommend it.) Thanks so much for this timely subject.
Faithfully-yours,
Wendy