What Biblical Hospitality Isn’t…

There was a time that I was hesitant to have guests over to my house.  For many years my home was less than ideal in the hospitality department.  My dishes were old and mismatched and I was missing silverware.  My skewed ideas of hospitality caused me to be insecure about having people over so I would avoid it all together.  Then I realized something important, I had the idea of practicing hospitality all wrong and it was hindering my connections with other people.  I needed to get over my petty issues and understand that people wanted to be comforted and appreciated.  Their comfort trumped me trying to make my home appear picture perfect.

Shamefully, I can remember that not long ago I’d become unglued at the thought of having company.  I’d become frazzled and distressed trying to make sure every nook and cranny was sparkly clean.  I’d become stressed about the menu.  I was like Martha…scrambling in the kitchen and frustrated that it wasn’t coming together as planned.  By the time my guests arrived I was utterly exhausted and wasn’t much in the mood to entertain.  It took away from the entire meaning of the visit – to make others feel welcome and at ease.

Blessing My Guests

As I’ve grown in the Lord there has been a shift in my perspective and a willingness to serve others instead of trying to impress them.  It is definitely something the Lord has had to cultivate within me because I actually used to get tense at the idea of having visitors.  Now I anticipate having visitors with joy and excitement.

“When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them.  Always be eager to practice hospitality.”
Romans 12:13  NLT

Before, all of my dishes had to be made from scratch in an effort to outdo myself.  Now, I know that if I opt for a few store bought side-dishes then that’s okay too.  The more time I have to sit down and talk with my guests, the better.  After all, hospitality isn’t about me, it’s about them.

Practicing hospitality isn't about me, it's about blessing my guests #SaltandLightLinkup Share on X

Minister To Others By Opening Your Home

I’ve come to the realization that I’ll never be one of those women who has perfect place settings and matching china (believe me, I want to be like them).  I admire women who make an art of hosting others in their home.  One day I hope I will graduate to a different hospitality level, but until then my guests and I can continue to laugh about the fact that I can only find three spoons and some of my plastic cups leak.  The best part about hosting guests is breaking bread while having genuine conversations about the Lord.  It’s in those moments that bonds are created and friendships are forged.  Hospitality creates family.

“Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.”
1 Peter 4:9  NLT

This week I am featuring Kim Turner McCulley and sharing her post Cultivate Hospitality | How to Love Your Neighbor.  It’s the first part of a cultivate hospitality series and I know that we will all learn so much from it.  Her blog and heart are so inspiring.

Click here to continue with this week’s featured post on hospitality>>>