Graceful Little Honey Bee

Hospitality: A Gift or A Mindset?

by 18 Comments

We can probably all think of someone who appears to have the “gift” of hospitality. You know the social butterfly type who loves being around people and seems to host parties without any effort at all??
 
But, is hospitality really some supernatural “gift” that is given to some and out of reach for others? The more I think about it, the more God is showing me that hospitality is a way of life. To show hospitality is to open our homes, arms and tables to others. Does this come more naturally to some? Yes, I believe it does, but I also believe those who are continually opening their homes to fellowship are being intentional about it. 
 
Life is busy and if you wait until things are “perfect” to invite people over then it probably won’t happen very quickly, if at all. If we’re going to open our homes and show love to our neighbors we have to plan it and be intentional about it. And just like anything else in life, it gets easier with practice.
 
God has been dealing with me in this area and I’ve started working out details and setting dates for people to come and fellowship in our home on a more regular basis. Having people over every once in awhile when I feel like it is okay, but I want to make it a way of life. A trademark of our family. I want my kids to see us reaching out and serving those around us on a regular basis. 
 
You see hospitality is all about serving others. It’s not about showing off your house or your cooking skills, its about considering the wants and needs of others and focusing on them. I want more of this in our family’s life. I could make the case that we live in a small house and have a baby so having others over just isn’t practical for us right now, but think of the blessings we would be missing out on. Think of the fellowship we would be forfeiting. 
 
Here’s a portion of what the bible says about it:
 
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, 
for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” 
-Hebrew 13:2
 
“Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” 
-Romans 12:13

Obviously, God wants us to be hospitable towards one another by serving them and we can do this by being welcoming and opening our homes to others. 

Who could you call right now, that you’ve been meaning to have over?
Do you have a neighbor that you’ve been wanting to get to know?
Has someone just had a baby or a major surgery that you could deliver a meal too?
Do you know a widow or single person who might enjoy the fellowship of your family?

I hope this has inspired you to consider reaching out and serving others!
 I know I’m working on it. 😉

Do you view hospitality as a gift or a way of life? 
Do you believe it gets easier with practice?
 I’d love to know your thoughts! 

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  2. I love this, it inspires me to do better about opening up our home. We have a guest bedroom that other cross cultural workers sometimes use to come and have a free place to stay when they are in the city, but I wonder if we could be even more intentional about inviting others for a meal, tea, and time to encourage others!
    Reply

  3. Thank you for your thoughts on Hospitality. Great encouragement and I agree a intentional, a choice, a lifestyle!! Have a blessed Weekend.
    Reply

  7. This is something I'm passionate about because I've been on the receiving end of hospitality many times and I strive to give back as much as I can. Like Kimberly said I agree with the scripture that we are to practice hospitality. Sometimes it's easy and others it's not but we just have to keep at it. BTW my blog name is Intentional Hospitality! It reminds me that I have to think about it and make an effort every day because it doesn't always come naturally to me. Great post!
    Emma
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  8. This is definitely something that I've been working on. I tend to make excuses(my house is too small, etc) but I've been feeling pulled to start being more open about this very issue. When I read that chapter in "Cleaning House" (which I saw you reviewed too :) ), I really felt like God was telling me, "See! Listen to me!" Guess, I'd better listen, huh? :)
    Reply

  9. I know that our family could do more...but because we have so many children, we are usually the ones who never get invited anywhere. We usually do all the inviting and sometimes it gets tiring as well. But I know we could have more of our neighbours over.

    Great post.

    Connie
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  10. I am an introvert so hospitality doesn't come naturally. My husband is an extrovert and loves to have people over. I've had to stretch and grow in this area, being intentional about opening my home. You are right, it's not about how big our home is or how much of a burden it is, it's a sacrifice done for God. Great post! Visiting from www.toshowthemjesus.com
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  11. I do think we have to practice it. It has to be a mindset. Of course when you have a family you have to be wise about it as well, but opening your home to fellowship and friendship is rewarding, to all involved. Thank you for a wonderful post.
    Reply

  12. A great reminder to us all..hard as sometimes drop by visits can be tough, but we should be open...yet appreciative so much of prior set dates & times (especially with a little one!)
    Michy
    Inviting you to link up any stories, tips...Fridays at Faithfully Parenting Friday link party on my site!
    Reply

  13. I definitely think hospitality is a spiritual gift that God gives to some. However, that does not excuse the rest of us from practicing hospitality. You are absolutely right, opening our homes to others is an act of service. I actually enjoy it once everything gets going. Its just the cleaning in preparation I despise...I'm lowering my standards quickly on what qualifies as "clean"!

    Thanks for linking up with WIP Wednesday!
    Mary Beth
    Reply

  14. I absolutely adore this post. You've challenged me--- it's so easy to make the excuse in my mind that my house is so messy and chaotic... but I just love the way you put it of making hospitality a way of life. awesome!

    thanks for linking up at mercyinkblog.com! I'll be featuring your post tomorrow! :)
    blessings,
    lauren mills
    mercyINK
    Reply