Hospitality
It is common for people to think of hospitality as a form of entertaining people. This usually evokes visions of a perfectly put together home that is expertly decorated with a lot of space for a group of people to mingle. While this is a beautiful way to think of hospitality it does not really encompass the whole picture. Hospitality is not entertaining. Hospitality is loving people well. I have been invited into several homes over my life that have shown great hospitality to me and to many others. Some of these homes are large and beautiful, much like the home described above. But I have also entered small, quaint homes which have also shown me great hospitality. It’s not the size of the home or event, it’s the heart that goes into it.
Jesus told his disciples at the last supper, “I give a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are to love one another.” -John 13:34. As Christ followers we are called to show others love, just like Christ loved us. The most important thing to remember when opening up your home is that you want people to feel loved. It is not about the food, the decorations, or even how clean your home is, it’s all about the love and care for the people you are going to serve.
If you are wanting to start this new year by showing more hospitality to the community that is around you, here are a few things that might help.
-Pray for the people who are going to enter your home. This is the very best way to show love for a person.
-Make a simple meal or just snacks. We’ve had small groups and couples come to our home for years now. Keeping the food simple will help you and make your guests feel more at home.
-Your home does not have to be perfectly clean or decorated.
-Listen to people intently. I think this is so important. Too often we try to turn a conversation back to ourselves, but people like to feel like they are being heard. Give people the opportunity to share.
I hope this is all encouraging and feels like anyone can be hospitable. Remember that it’s about our love for others because Christ loved us first.
Jesus told his disciples at the last supper, “I give a new command: Love one another. Just as I have loved you, you are to love one another.” -John 13:34. As Christ followers we are called to show others love, just like Christ loved us. The most important thing to remember when opening up your home is that you want people to feel loved. It is not about the food, the decorations, or even how clean your home is, it’s all about the love and care for the people you are going to serve.
If you are wanting to start this new year by showing more hospitality to the community that is around you, here are a few things that might help.
-Pray for the people who are going to enter your home. This is the very best way to show love for a person.
-Make a simple meal or just snacks. We’ve had small groups and couples come to our home for years now. Keeping the food simple will help you and make your guests feel more at home.
-Your home does not have to be perfectly clean or decorated.
-Listen to people intently. I think this is so important. Too often we try to turn a conversation back to ourselves, but people like to feel like they are being heard. Give people the opportunity to share.
I hope this is all encouraging and feels like anyone can be hospitable. Remember that it’s about our love for others because Christ loved us first.
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