Natural Hospitality

The dictionary definition of hospitality

might surprise you.

Hospitality is “the quality or disposition of receiving and treating guests and strangers in a warm, friendly, generous way.” It doesn’t mention anything about impressing our guests with sumptuous food or providing a picture perfect home. The very definition takes the focus off of things and puts it where it belongs – on people and fellowship.

Hospitality is both an attitude as well as an action.

Hospitality is about serving people with love. Having the attitude that “our hearts & homes are open” to welcome family & friends.

Some people have the gift of hospitality; naturally they welcome us into their homes with grace and ease.

They think to plan ahead and have a few appetizers and a lovely desert in their freezers that they serve up with a smile.

Their home is one where people feel welcome and special upon entering through the door.

For those who have other gifts and talents let me put your mind at ease.

It’s not necessary to spend weeks planning the “perfect” menu and stressing over our mismatched dishware.

Trust me, we all have homes, which at times are in a constant state of chaos, it’s a small number of homes that remain calm & clean 24/7.

All of our homes need to be places where family, our friends and we feel comfortable retreating from the world to enjoy friendship or needed peace and solitude.

While hospitality may not be easy for everyone, it is something that God values and emphasizes.

“Be hospitable to one another without complaint.” 1 Peter 4:9

Three top reasons we don’t practice hospitality.

1. Lack of time

Our lives are filled to overflowing and we make no space to invite people over.

Being hospitable takes intentionality.

Try inviting friends to share a Sunday potluck lunch or family game night where you serve up yummy treats instead of a meal.

2. I can’t cook

We all know people who are culinary artists creating delicious & delectable meals. Thinking we can’t possibly meet this standard, we don’t invite anyone to share a meal in our home.

While feasting on good food is enjoyable, most of us would acknowledge that it is the time we spend talking, laughing and enjoying friends that matters more than any delicacies.

Even if you can’t boil water you can call for take out or purchase grocery store rotisserie chickens & yummy desserts in the bakery. It’s ok to ask your guests to bring a salad or side dish.

3. My home isn’t attractive

Many of us think our homes have to look like a decorating magazine spread or be subject to harsh judgments.

We have a false idea that every body else has perfectly appointed home furnishings and those other homes are in a better state than ours.

Friends, people simply want to be in your company.

Don’t allow these or any other reasons put off practicing hospitality.

Welcoming others into our homes may not happen as often as we would like, but we must be intentional to practice this most wonderful attitude and action.

 

Remember, hospitality is a family ministry, which God has called each of us to. “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” – Romans 12:13