Seek to Show Hospitality

We all have that friend who has an ease and grace when it comes to hospitality. They open their homes often. They host with a joy that isn’t hurried. They have a steadiness about them when their home is full of others. Though I love and cherish my friends with this gift, I am not that friend.

I spent years envying my friends with this gift and even their desire to open their home. When I consider opening my home, I get anxious. That’s something I would’ve been ashamed to confess just a few years ago, but God has settled me in grace with a clearer view of hospitality.

Not once does God’s word give the image of an immaculate home or intricate table setting that depends on our doing.  In fact, Jesus redirects Martha back to what matters when she gets carried away with these details. The scriptures give the picture of a willing heart to serve neighbors and fellow saints.

The word hospitality can be found in the ESV Bible four times (Romans 12:13; 1 Timothy 5:10; Hebrews 13:2; and 1 Peter 4:9). Take time to read through these short yet critical verses.

I’m afraid I often confuse hospitality with entertainment. I spent a lot of time looking side to side at what the world told me hospitality should be: a clean house; a well prepared meal; a well behaved child; quiet and obedient pets (for real).  But my house has clutter. I love to cook, but it always results in a mess of a kitchen. My son loves to see and participate in whatever’s going on. My dogs have never in their life met a friend at the door they didn’t need to welcome. It didn’t feel like the right space for biblical hospitality. 

And so, for years I told others I didn’t have the gift of hospitality. That was I lie I allowed myself to believe. The reality though is that I love serving others and glorifying God and that is really the only requirement God gives us for hospitality.

We’re not on the hook for the extras (though they are enjoyable and appreciated if entertaining is your thing).  We are free to serve our neighbors and fellow saints through hospitality in the varied ways that God has gifted us. 

Hospitality, like much of the Christian life, is about heart posture.  The good news of the Gospel that directs the way we live also directs the way we show others hospitality.  Hospitality is an overflow of love not obligation.  

Two weeks ago my brother called with a request: would we be willing to open our home for the Celebration of Life honoring his sister-in-law.  The quick answer was yes, but  my mind quickly flooded with worries. First, I won’t even be in town; I have a trip this week that is immovable. Second, my house has not been deep cleaned in forever. Third, remember the dogs mentioned earlier; where will they go? Honestly, I even tried to deflect to another family member’s house. But our home was their request. 

Despite the onslaught of considerations, I knew the answer was yes. 

I’m not sure how their family landed on asking us for the Celebration of Life, but I know that the sweet sister they’re celebrating was a faithful woman of God. I am certain that none of the worries that first came to mind take priority. Yes, we’ve spent the last two weekends cleaning corners of our house that’ve gone overlooked. Yes, we’ve made plans for the dogs to be elsewhere. Most importantly, I have prayed and praised as we prepared to open our home. I’ve gone before God not with grumbling but with thanksgiving for the opportunity to be asked to open our home for the sake of serving others.

Hospitality brings us closer to the heart of God.  Let’s seek hospitality not with grumbling but with hearts of thanksgiving. 

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 Today’s post is contributed by Erin Bridges, the Chief Content Officer for Selah Disciples.