Offering Hospitality

“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer
hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you
have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1
Peter 4:8-10

From Genesis to the New Testament, the Scriptures are filled with stories of hospitality.
Abraham showed hospitality to three strangers who told him that he and Sarah would
have a son in their old age (Genesis 18:1-8). A widow in Zarapheth cooked the last of
her supplies to feed Elijah (1 Kings 17:10-16). A wealthy Shunamite woman had a room
added to her home to provide space for Elisha when he traveled through that area
(2Kings 4:8-10). Mary, Martha, and Lazarus fed Jesus and his disciples in their home
(Luke 10:38). A woman named Lydia hosted Paul and other Christians in her home in
Thyatira (Acts 16:13-15).

In Romans 12, Paul describes how knowing Christ changes how we treat each other. He
tells us: “let love be genuine … Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one
another in showing honor … Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show
hospitality” (taken from Romans 12:11-13). The author of Hebrews confirms the
importance of hospitality for all who follow Jesus: “do not neglect to show hospitality to
strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Hebrews 13:2).
What exactly is hospitality? What does it look like? According to Oxford Languages,
hospitality is “the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors,
or strangers.” Cambridge dictionary defines hospitality as “the act of being friendly and
welcoming to guests and visitors.” In other words, hospitality requires us to be friendly
and generous with what we have.

Hospitality can feel intimidating sometimes. Between Pinterest and social media
influencers, it is easy to feel like our homes and hosting skills don’t measure up. Fear
and comparison seem to find ways to keep us from opening our homes and lives to
others. But what if the love of Jesus in our hearts is greater than the fear holding us
back?

God has gifted and blessed each of us differently. Let’s use the gifts and blessings
accordingly. If you love to cook, use those talents to cook a meal for friends and invite
them over or take a meal to someone who could use the encouragement. If you love
having people in your home, but don’t cook, pick up something pre-made and put it on a
pretty plate. If you are a good listener, meet someone at a coffee shop or for a walk and
let them talk. If you are good at home projects, offer your skills to someone who needs
them. If you have a spare room in your home, consider opening it up to someone in
need. Use your giftings to bless others.

Hospitality doesn’t have to look like a fancy dinner (although if you are gifted in that
area, please send me an invite and I’ll be there!). Hospitality looks like loving those
around us – how can you use your gifts and resources to make others feel loved and
important? What words can you say or write to encourage them? Hospitality isn’t
commanded only to those who love to host – it is a sign of someone who loves Jesus.
Hospitality looks different for each of us based on our gifts and resources, but we can
all love those around us..

“Let me give you a new command: Love one another. In the same way I loved you, you
love one another. This is how everyone will recognize that you are my disciples—when
they see the love you have for each other.” (John 13:35, The Message). Our love for the
body of Christ and for those around us is what should set us apart from those who don’t
know Jesus. How are you going to show hospitality to those around you today?