Reflections on Hospitality

"Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality." — Romans 12:13

Once a week, I have the privilege of experiencing the hospitality of a lovely woman from my church. I will refer to her as Mrs M.. Mrs M. graciously invites our college group into her home each week and provides us with delicious snacks, encouraging biblical discussions, and warm Christian fellowship.

These wonderful experiences have caused me to reflect on the duty of hospitality. Not only is it a command from God ("Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling." — 1 Peter 4:9), but it can also be our greatest joy — if we practice it well.

The Command

Notice how scripture paints the role of hospitality with a wide brush. Similar to evangelism, hospitality is an essential task in every believers life. Each of us — whether we are rich or poor, live in a studio apartment or a castle, are talented in the kitchen or just know how to heat up a frozen pizza — are called to be hosts and hostesses in the name of Christ.

The Practice

Because we know that hospitality is a non negotiable, it is important that we consider how we can best fulfill this God-given responsibility. I will use the example of Mrs M. to illustrate this point.

First, be hospitable in spirit. It is tempting to think that the most important aspects of hospitality are a carefully vetted guest list, a perfectly clean house, and a gourmet meal. However, I am sure you have been to a dinner party that meets this description (practically perfect in every way) and still felt uncomfortable and out of place.

Rather than emphasizing these pragmatic details, I believe we would be better off being a welcoming and gentle host or hostess. Take Mrs M. for example: just last night I arrived to a warm smile and big hug. She asked about my week and showed great interest in what I had happening in my life (and even ranted with me about our favorite Shakespeare plays!). Then, she took the time to tell me about her dishware collection (it is very impressive) while she arranged a beautiful center piece of wildflowers. While she was busy setting the table, she asked one of her dear friends to greet guests as they arrived so that each person would feel welcome and appreciated. I assure you that they did! Her openness and genuine excitement over hosting was evident. That is what made her guests feel welcome, comfortable, and glad to be in her company. Though, the gorgeous wild flowers were a nice touch too!

Second, create a welcoming atmosphere. While material things should not be our top priority when hosting, they should definitely be on the list. Like the fancy dinner party where everyone is on edge and afraid to touch anything lest it break, it is equally uncomfortable to be invited into a home in complete disarray.

Historically, it was just good sense and even better manners to prep your home for guests so as to give them the best experience. Furnishing your room with enough seats for the number of guests you expect, washing your dishes and picking up after yourself and your family, and fostering a beautiful atmosphere (flowers, beautiful art on the walls, colors, candles — get creative!), are all essential aspects of hosting well.

We must recognize that we should never prep our home in an attempt to show off our fancy things or pridefully display our "put together lifestyle." Such a high-minded attitude certainly does not contribute to hospitality! The aim should always be to put your guest at ease. That is all.

Third, enjoy Christian fellowship. One of the most incredible things about Mrs M. and her hosting style is that, while you are there, she is hardly anxious about rushing around to pick this up or refill that. She is honestly and entirely focused on her guests. It is very evident through her questions and comments that you are the reason she hosted her event. Through this example, Mrs M. puts her guests at ease because we recognize that our aim is to make new friends and deepen current relationships, learn from each other, and laugh together.

Isn't this the beauty of the Church?

Mrs M. has revived in me the desire to fulfill the duty of hospitality and I hope that through my brief recollection of my experience in her home, she will do the same for you. Because not only does hospitality bring joy to guests and hostess, it also brings the Lord joy to see his children contributing to one another's needs and fellowshipping in His name.