Hospitality

Hospitality is an uncommon but important virtue in the Christian community.  Jesus calls us to ‘Love one another’ and ‘Serve one another’ many times in Scripture. Why are so many Christians struggling with being hospitable?

The origin of the word Hospitality is from the Latin word hospitalitem which means “friendliness to guests”.

To review the history of hospitality we can see it as far back as the early church.

“Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”(Romans 12:13);

“And having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work. (1Timothy 5:10);

 “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”(Hebrews 13:2);

“Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” (1 Peter 4:9).

The Christians in the early church were known for their hospitality. Back in the Roman times, hospitality was quite rare.  That is why the Christian’s behaviour was so noticeable.

Even in the 16-19 centuries, hospitality was very common in the various households. Women were experienced in the “art” of hospitality and had at least ten guests per week.

In these past forty years, hospitality has disintegrated. We now have to rent a hall or cater food whenever we wish to enjoy the company of a few people because relaxation and a spotless house is more important (not that that is bad).

Some churches encourage hospitality by having potluck lunches and meals together but, even thought that is noble, it is not the same as having someone into your home so that they can see how you live. How can we promote hospitality?

1.        Focus on the pleasant aspects of your preparation.  Instead of thinking “Look how much work I have to do to entertain! Why can’t they invite me?” we should be thinking on the positive aspects. (“I am REALLY looking forward to the godly fellowship” or “I truly enjoy their company.”) Like Philippians 2:14 says, we should ‘Do all things without complaining and disputing’.

2.       Use your hospitality as an opportunity to glorify God.  Discuss your walk with God, sing hymns together, and read God’s Word instead of always talking about the latest news headline, sports outcome, and school work.  For ‘Behold, how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!’ (Psalm 133:1)

Here are a couple tips we use in our home:

1.        Have a couple of recipes that can be prepared in advance and can be made for many guests.

2.       Always check before hand if your guests have any allergies or aversions to different foods

3.       Pre-make seasonal place-tags so that there will not be scrambling when everyone needs to be seated

4.       Set the table the morning before your guests arrive

5.       Do not worry about clean-up when everyone is finished. Instead clear the table, stack the dishes, and clean-up after the guests leave.

My mother has fostered the “art” of hospitality in us from a very young age (thank you Mom!!). We are always ecstatic when she or my dad invites a couple families and we can make a menu, pretend to be waitresses, and set the table all fancy (not to mention helping prepare the mealJ). From our calculations, we have entertained at least three hundred guests per year. Our favorite saying when we have guests over is ‘the more the merrier!!’

 We, as young women, should nurture that long lost virtue (and encourage our siblings to practice also).  By doing so, we will be preserving the art of hospitality for future generations, and be a Christian witness in our culture!!!

~M

P.S. If you have any helpful tips in hospitality, feel free to leave a comment and share.