Acts 2: 42, 46, 47
“And they continued steadfastly in the apostles’ doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.”
As one with the spiritual gift of hospitality, I have had many opportunities to use the gift both inside the church and in our home. Early on, I was prone to give in to perfectionism until I learned God’s view of this gift and how He encourages and equips us to be used through it. Scripture mentions it is numerous places so it must be important to God, in fact, it is one of the qualifications listed for elder in 1 Timothy 3:2. And also in 1 Peter 4: 9-10: “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each one should use whatever gift he has received to serve others faithfully, administrating God’s grace in various forms. We see hospitality illustrated in Genesis 19:1 when Lot offered safe shelter to two strangers who turned out to be angels. In Luke 14: 12-14, Jesus encouraged the listeners not to invite anyone with the expectation that you will be repaid in some way, invite those who are not in a position to repay: the poor, the lame or the blind. Hebrews: 13:2, says “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.” There are many examples of women who opened their homes to the disciples as they continued their mission to share the gospel after Jesus’ resurrection.
Whether you possess the gift or not, we can all benefit from knowing God’s view and how each one of us can be used to offer genuine hospitality to others. First thing I had to come to grips with was this: I am not and should never try to be Martha Stewart! Let’s see the contrast of views here:
• The world’s model, which is inspired by magazines, TV, and famous personalities is to entertain, to impress people with our home, decorating, and cooking.
• The biblical model, which is inspired by the Word of God, is to offer hospitality, to seek to minister and serve others, to encourage and provide a refuge, a shelter in the storms of life.
Our homes are to be a place of blessing, and it is also an expression of us, our tastes, our creativity, our gifting, and talents. But offering true hospitality begins with an attitude of having a hospitable heart, not necessarily the gift of Hospitality. With a little planning and creativity, we can convey our hospitable heart to all who come through our door. Here’s a “recipe” with four “ingredients” for creating a welcoming home that reflects one’s heart:
• A warm welcome: without too much trouble, we can create a warm welcome for folks coming to visit. Our home doesn’t have to be spotless. The entry is a pathway to other areas of the house and sets the tone for a visitor. Consider having a guest book, a Christian message on a blackboard, a scented candle, a place for coats, a clean powder room and the TV turned off. And, of course, a prompt opening of the door, and a greeting with special words add warmth to our welcome.
• Breaking of bread: this can mean something as simple as offering tea and cookies, a simple meal of homemade soup and fresh bread, or a more complete feast. This “breaking of bread” can, in a literal sense, be food but, it also means being open with others about our lives, offering whatever we have in the humblest setting, being real and never allowing elaborate preparations to be a substitute for genuine fellowship.
• Being sensitive to words and needs: make the most of the first moments by sensing your guest’s mood which often gives clues as to the direction a conversation should take. Be attentive, ask questions, draw them into conversation, listen and observe. Take the opportunity to ask if they have any prayer needs or concerns. And always be prepared to “give an account of the hope that is within you… “
• A fond farewell: Our warm welcome sets the tone for the visit; our fond farewell is what they take home with them. A gracious good-bye is the lovely ribbon that is tied on the gift of a beautiful time of fellowship. “It was a delight to have you;” “I’ll pray about those concerns you had;” “Thank you for coming;” “What a blessing it was to have you in our home.” When we demonstrate true hospitality and express how much we valued the time spent with our guests, they will be anxious to come again!
Father, we thank You for the model of hospitality you have made clear to us in scripture. Open our hearts and help us seek ways to minister to others with genuine hospitality that offers a warm welcome to anyone You bring to our door. Use us, we pray, for Your sake and in Your name. Amen
~ painting by Edward Antoon Portielje
