HOSPITALITY: Friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests.
CHRISTIAN HOSPITALITY: Showing the love of Christ in practical ways to fellow Christians and strangers expecting nothing in return.
Hebrews 13:2 says, Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.
Romans 12:13 says, Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice Hospitality.
1 Peter 4:8-10 says, Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others, faithfully administering God’s grace in it’s various forms.
3 John 8 says, We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth.
Christian Hospitality
Written by Kathy Chapman Sharp
If you’re like most people, you probably think practicing Christian hospitality is equivalent to what you’ve seen in entertainment books and magazines. And if you’re like me, you end up feeling depressed and inadequate because you don’t quite see your holiday efforts measuring up to the glossy pages you’ve been reading. Take heart: Practicing Christian hospitality isn’t about glittering, glamorous table settings or platters of picture-perfect food; it’s about practicing servant hood right in the middle of your practical Christianity. More important, it’s about loving others through Christ and making people feel special.
Spiritual Gift or Scriptural Mandate?
While not everyone feels comfortable at the helm of a social event, some folks have a natural talent for making guests feel special. You might think those hospitality genes are inherited, but just because your mom isn't Martha Stewart, you’re not off the hook. That’s because hospitality takes on added dimensions and new definitions for the Christian.
Some Christians possess hospitality as a spiritual gift. The Bible tells us that every believer is given at least one spiritual gift for the purpose of building up God’s church and serving the body of Christ. In other words, our gifts are given not for our own benefit, but for the enrichment of others. We should be serving those around us, including the body of believers, family, and friends.
Romans 12:13, however, encourages us all to practice hospitality, whether it is our spiritual gift or not. In fact, the Greek word philozenia is actually a combination of two words – philos, meaning “affection” and zenos, meaning “stranger.” While usually translated to mean hospitality, philozenia signifies affection toward strangers.
Just think: If Christians would practice true hospitality, we could play a significant part in changing our corner of the world. After all, we are living miracles and have so much to share.
The bottom line is that God can use people like you and me to touch lives. It doesn’t matter if we rent or own a house or an apartment; our homes are an extension of ourselves. When we practice hospitality, we have the opportunity to touch lives in an intimate, personal way.
Be bold: God has not only given you the roof over your head, but also will give you the love and wisdom needed to open your home to others.
With a little planning and preparation – and a good measure of prayer – you can be prepared to share your home with friends, neighbors, and even the strangers God may send your way.
With a little planning and preparation – and a good measure of prayer – you can be prepared to share your home with friends, neighbors, and even the strangers God may send your way.
The Big Picture:
What is your purpose? Everything we do should glorify God.
What is your authority? God’s word. - The BIBLE
1 Peter 4:11 says, If anyone speaks, he should do it as one speaking the very words of God. If anyone serves, he should do it with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To Him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.
Psalm 127:1 says, Unless the Lord builds the house, its builders labor in vain.
*Our families will be expressions of our theology!
Christ wants to be the center of our hearts and the foundation of our homes.
People will remember a loving place more than a beautiful place.
If our inner home is inviting and in order, it will overflow to our outer home!
Focus on the atmosphere in your home. Relationships should be the priority!
It is our responsibility as women to set the “thermostat”.
“The heart of the home reflects the heart of the homemaker.”
Creating a place where relationships can grow glorifies God.
Proverbs 4:23 says, Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life.
We should fill our hearts with God’s word so that our homes can be an overflow of what is in our hearts.
Remember: Families will find contentment in homes filled with compliment and praise. Our words can destroy our home in an instant.
What kind of welcome does your husband receive at the end of the day?
What kind of welcome do your children receive when they return from school?
What will be their memories of home?
Practical ways to set an inviting atmosphere...
Stimulate all 5 senses:
Eyes - Tidy up the mess! Be neat and orderly.
Put some flowers in a vase. (even if they are from your yard)
Greet guests with a smile.
Build a fire in the fireplace. (this stimulates many senses).
Ears - Put on some soothing music. Maybe something instrumental or worshipful.
Sing while you are doing housework or cooking supper.
Keep the “outside voices” to a minimal.
Use kind words.
Nose - Light a scented candle.
Put out potpourri in a bowl.
Wear your husband’s favorite perfume.
Bake something (even if it’s slice -n- bake).
Have dinner on the stove.
Mouth - Offer something cold or hot to drink.
Have snacks available.
Have candy or mints in a dish.
Touch - Offer a comfortable place to sit.
Have a soft blanket or throw over the couch or chair.
Offer a handshake or a hug.
Hold a hand or offer a pat on the back to someone who needs encouragement.
Meet other’s basic needs:
Food - Offer a meals or snacks during their stay
Shelter - offer a clean place for someone to rest or sleep for the night.
Pillow, blanket, clean towel, a place to shower.
Emotional Support - Offer a listening ear or a shoulder to cry on.
Rejoice with someone with words of encouragement and praise.
Laugh together.
Pray together.
Matthew 25: 34-40
Let God use you to bless those that come into your home. Our homes are the greatest places used to minister to others.
*Reminder:
Are you trying to Bless others with your home or
Are you trying to impress others with your home?
Bless- focuses on other people
Impress- focuses on ourselves.
The more “real” we are, the more others will be drawn to us.
Perfection may repel others because of unrealistic expectations.
Showing hospitality isn’t always “convenient” ….but it is a command.
Matthew 25:40 - Wouldn’t you want to always show hospitality to Jesus?
