Hospitality, just the thought, can bring excitement or dread. The simple act of welcoming people into your life, your home, and community makes you vulnerable. Yet, believers must answer this calling to show Christ’s love in this world.
For some, hospitality is their lane, their place to thrive. Yet for others, it ushers in a moment of panic.
This past weekend, we visited some friends out of town and had three unique experiences with hospitality.
My Experiences with Hospitality
The first was with a couple who had an absolutely beautiful home on over 100 acres. The home had everything you could think of: beautiful interiors, lush gardens, fountains, a swimming pool, and more. But it wasn’t their beautiful home that made this experience so memorable, it was the way they opened their home to us; and as would discover from our conversation, to complete strangers as well. They actively pursue opportunities to show hospitality not only to friends but to strangers.
Their openness and warmth drew you into their lives. They greeted us with an enveloping hug, a warm fireplace, and snacks of cheese, crackers, and grapes. The conversation was rich, and the hosts were present and not distracted by trying to make everything perfect. As dinner time approached, a sofa table became a buffet of simple but delicious items to make rice bowls. What a perfect choice, as it was easy to put together, delicious and healthy, and customizable.
The details that made our time with them so enjoyable was their warm greeting, rich conversation, open doors into their home and their lives, delicious but simple food and small details such as a background music, lit fireplace and candles glowing, All simple touches but all that said, “We welcome you here. You are important to us!”
The next home we visited was filled with friends we had known for a couple of years. This was our first experience in their home. When we rang the doorbell, a smiling host quickly opened it and greeted us with the welcoming comment, “I’m so glad you’re here!” As they ushered us in, they immediately offered us water and a warm cup of coffee. I was amazed at how at home I felt as I grabbed a seat at the kitchen island bar and started chatting with old friends as if time meant nothing. We talked about fun stuff, our families, deep personal experiences, and practically everything.
Time flew, and we all found ourselves in the kitchen, just pulling out leftovers to make a quick meal together. There was so much beauty in that. Everyone jumped in and creatively put together a salad and sandwiches. As we all gathered tightly around the table with a mix of folding chairs and regular chairs, the conversation was so rich and the people so loving, I wouldn’t have traded it for a 5-star rooftop restaurant.
The third experience that weekend was meeting friends at a restaurant for dinner. We weren’t in a home, but we had an equally beautiful time sharing our lives over a meal. We laughed, asked questions, and encouraged one another. How remarkable that hospitality is wherever you are.
What I learned about hospitality:
- It doesn’t matter the size of your home (or even if you’re in a home), but the size of your heart.
- Food does draw people together, but it doesn’t have to be fancy. Keep it simple.
- You don’t have to impress with things but impress with your love and encouragement.
- Hospitality can show up in so many ways.
How to make hospitality easy:
- Have a few simple meal recipes available and keep those ingredients on hand for last-minute opportunities.
- Freeze cookie dough so you’ll have a dessert ready to put in the oven at a moment’s notice. Bake the frozen cookies and serve with vanilla ice cream for an easy dessert.
- Never underestimate the power of candles, soft music, and a beverage. Match this with a loving conversation, and it just may be the best day yet.
- Host a potluck. Everyone can bring something, and it’s a manageable way to create a time of fellowship.
- Hospitality doesn’t mean you have to have a full meal. A simple cup of tea or coffee with a small plate of cookies is perfect. It’s a wonderful way to say “you’re important to me.”
- Don’t wait until you have the “perfect house” or one that is perfectly clean. People don’t really care; they just want to know that you care about them.
- Whatever stage in life you’re at, whatever your living situation, show hospitality.
“The secret weapon for gospel advancement is hospitality, and you can practice it whether you live in a house, an apartment, a dorm, or a high-rise.”
The SIMPLEST Way to Change the World
Dustin Willis & Brandon Clements
The gospel was spread through hospitality. Jesus told the disciples to stay in homes as they went about their mission (Matthew 10:9-10). The early church began in homes as they shared a meal and the teachings of Christ (Acts 2:44-45).
We are exhorted to offer hospitality:
- “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” Romans 12:13
- “Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:1-2
- “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
Hospitality is a model for sharing the love of Christ and a conduit for conversations about the gospel. Especially in the dispensation we find ourselves in, people are lonely and unconnected. It can be a rare gift to find yourself in someone’s home sharing rich conversation and simple nourishment.
Oh, what joy we can bring to others as we actively seek opportunities to share our lives, homes, and communities with others.
May we continue to live…
Rooted in Him,
