The Joy of Hospitality

… Truly I tell you, whatever you did
for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine,
you did for me.
Matthew 25:40

When I think of the word hospitality, I immediately think of my church mentor, Debbie.

As a young mid-twenties woman, I was in a limbo of sorts — single, working, serving in church — and wondered what God had planned for my life. I thought that having a spiritual mentor in my life would be a good thing.

And boy, was it.

That faithful morning as I was driving to meet her for the first time at her home, I was nervous. But all my nerves were calmed the exact moment she opened the door to greet me: Debbie not only had the warmest and most welcoming smile, but as I got to know her, she personified Christian lovingkindness and hospitality to me.

Though I only met with Debbie for a year as she had to relocate soon after, she impacted my life in ways I can’t explain. We prayed together, read the Bible today, spent time together and chatted about life, faith and everything in-between. Most of all, she taught me what Christian hospitality was.

***

We all need that one person, that older woman who can be of guidance and good influence to us younger women. In fact, the Bible commands it (Titus 2:3-5). I believe it was my spiritual mentor’s influence in my life that gave me the nudge to do the same to others: to love, care for and open up my home to others, and it has been such a blessing and delight in my life.

Hospitality is commended in the Bible. The NIV Study Bible says this:

Hospitality is the practice of welcoming, sheltering, and feeding — with no thought of personal gain — those who come to your door. Much more than elegant menus, elaborate table settings, or lavish entertainment — hospitality is sharing what we have and who we are with whomever God sends.

For the people of the Bible, hospitality was not merely a matter of good manners but a necessity in the harsh desert regions. Hospitality was openly rewarded, as when Rahab was given protection at Jericho’s fall for having extended hospitality to Joshua’s spies (Joshua 2:12–14). Lack of hospitality was punished, as when Nabal died after refusing to offer hospitality to David’s men (1 Samuel 25:2–39).

In the New Testament, Jesus modeled perfect hospitality as He moved beyond mundane physical needs to meet deeper needs of those who came to Him (Matthew 15:32–39). The New Testament writers also tell Christians to extend hospitality to other believers (Romans 12:13; 1 Peter 4:9; 3 John 8). Elders and deacons, in particular, were to be hospitable (1 Timothy 3:2, Titus 1:8).

In this modern age, hospitality is a rarity. But it doesn’t have to be. If you need more convincing, pray about it. Ask God to show who in your life you can pour love into by inviting them over to your place and caring for them.

Then, something practical: pour some love into your space — make it a home. You don’t need anything costly. In fact, you don’t need anything fancy at all, just keep it neat with some personal touches. To witness life and love poured into a home is such a gift to your family, and anyone who may visit.

Likewise, open up your home for church meetings, offer to host a Bible study at your place, or mentor a younger Christian girl. Or simply open up your home for playdates. Moms are always looking for playdates, new toys and friends for their kids. Your home can be a blessing to others.

Most of all, with all our heart work, prayer is essential. Pray for a heart of hospitality and ask God to show you ways to bless others in your home. Start small and see how it goes: be open, inviting and welcoming, and treat others how you wish to be treated… all for His glory.