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Hospitality, gatherings, hostessing, hosting they are all words you’ve heard me use again and again. But what does it all mean? I’m going back to the basics today. What is hospitality exactly? Why is this such an important topic to me? I like the simple version that the Urban Dictionary offers: “treating guests and strangers in a friendly/generous way.” Hospitality is making people feel welcome and anticipated. Setting the table is one way of making people feel anticipated. They see a spot at the table for them and know they were thought of.
What does scripture say about hospitality? More than you might think. This is not a new concept. It dates back thousands of years. Scripture tells us to practice hospitality in Romans 12:3 and we are to do it without grumbling according to 1 Peter 4:9. The Message refers to entertaining angels in Hebrews 13 as extending hospitality without even knowing it. We make faith visible by extending hospitality in 3 John 1:5-8.
Hospitality is not entertaining. Maybe you’ve heard that before. Jen Wilkin says that entertaining seeks to impress while hospitality seeks to bless. Hospitality is never about us. It is never about our homes. It is never about impressing. Hospitality is about serving, blessing, seeking out, fulfilling needs, community and our heart. I believe we use the lies of hospitality as an excuse to not be obedient to what God is asking of us. We say we aren’t good cooks or not crafty enough. Our homes are too small or too outdated to welcome people in. We’re introverted and afraid of awkward. But those are lies and have become excuses. Sarah from Rocky Hedge Farm says that hospitality is to honor and obey God with what He gives us by serving others around us.
When we change our mindset from entertaining to blessing. When we change the focus from ourselves to others. When we seek to serve rather than to be glorified the pressure and intimidation of opening our homes goes out the door. Inviting the new neighbors over pizza is much less nerve racking. Hosting a womens coffee time actually become fun. Being available at any moment to serve is a calling we can all step into with confidence.
What has God given you that you can use to honor and obey God? Is it an apartment with a community space? Is it a farm with eggs to spare? Is it an amazing iced coffee recipe? A backyard for kids to run? A pool for that end of the year party? (Side note: I know some women who love to throw parties, but don’t have the space for it. Offer your space and allow others to plan. We don’t have to do all of the work to be hospitable). I encourage you to look around and find what you can use to serve others.
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