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.”
In our devotion yesterday, we looked at what is found in scripture regarding God’s view of hospitality and how we should model it after His view rather than the world’s. Now let’s take a look at some practical ways we can extend hospitality to minister to our family, friends and neighbors.
We all should hope that our home is a place of blessing and, in that environment, it is also an expression of our tastes, our creativity, our gifting, and talents. But offering true hospitality must first begin with an attitude of having a hospitable heart. 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 in heaven, You have given each of us a spiritual gifts that are perfectly suited to how you created us and certain strengths, passions, and talents to build up the body for your kingdom. Thank You for creating and gifting us according to your master plan. Now, we pray, lead us by Your Holy Spirit in how we might be used by You to fulfill that plan and glorify You, dear God. We ask in Your name and for Your sake. Amen.
~ painting by Julius Leblanc Stewart
