Practicing Hospitality
When you think of the word hospitality, what comes to mind? When I hear this word there are actually certain people, men and women, that pop into my head. I can see their faces clearly and recount the many ways they have opened their homes, fed those in need, and just generally been willing to help without complaint.
I have seen hospitality demonstrated my whole life - from groceries mysteriously left at the door when times were hard, to meals lovingly crafted to take to those in need. I have seen people share their houses and vehicles, as well as their skills and finances. Both in my family and within the church communities where I have grown up these qualities have been evident.
Yet, hospitality has not always come easily to me. In fact, at times it is still hard. This is why it is something I continue to practice. There was a time when I was unsure of opening my home to others because I wasn’t sure it was big enough, or that I could host them just right. Would the food taste good? Would the conversation flow easily? Would it be worth the sacrifice involved?
There is a passage in 1 Peter that has stuck with me over time. Each time I read it, it challenges me in fresh ways.
Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaint. As each one has received a special gift employ it in serving one another as good stewards of the manifold grace of God. Whoever speaks, is to do so as one who is serving by the strength which God supplies; so that in all things God may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom belongs the glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen. 1 Peter 4:8-11
This passage breaks down into 5 key themes and I find them pretty helpful in navigating how I live in the world around me -
Love one another deeply
Be hospitable without complaining
Use your God given gifts to serve others
Speak words that are Holy Spirit empowered
Glorify God in all things
I have often heard that hospitality is a spiritual gift and if you don’t have this gift then leave it to the professionals. Yet, as I’ve explored what the Bible says about hospitality it seems that there is an invitation for all followers of Jesus to practice hospitality. Of course, I think certain personalities may find the practice of hospitality to be very natural for them, but I think that all of us are asked to practice this form of serving in our communities. Hospitality isn’t actually found in the various lists related to spiritual gifts. But rather each time it comes up it is listed as an observable trait related to being a follower of Jesus.
The Greek for hospitality - philoxenos - means friendly to foreigners, fond of guests, given to hospitality. N.T. Wright discusses how these early followers of Jesus were facing downright hostility because they were following Jesus. People were literally fleeing from their homes and often leaving everything behind. All throughout the New Testament, we see the writers reminding those that follow Jesus to be hospitable - to open their homes to fellow Jesus followers who needed their help, and occasionally they are reminded to do it with a good attitude.
This wasn’t a special gift given to some people, but rather a way of living in community together. You’ve had to flee your home, no problem, come and stay with me. You’ve no food or water, no problem we’ve got you covered. You need clothes for your journey, no problem, we’ll find you some.
We actually see this kind of hospitality happening globally at the moment. Parents leaving strollers at border crossings to make the journey of those fleeing their homes more tolerable. People offering food and clothes to refugees. People donating resources to organizations to help pay for the necessities of medical care, food, shelter, transportation, and more.
If you’ve ever thought hospitality just isn’t your gift, I want to invite you to consider that hospitality is something all of us are invited to practice every day. The gifts that God has given to you may very well impact the way you are able to offer hospitality to those around you.
Whether it comes naturally to you, or like me you just have to keep practicing I believe that living hospitable lives will transform us and the way that we love and care for others.
~ Melissa