Hospitality

"At its core, hospitality is an act of faith. It is faith in God and faith in people. It is an open posture that views others not as threats, but as participants in the process of one another's redemption." Doug Pagitt 'Reimagining Spiritual Formation'

Hospitality is not a term that gets used much in today’s vernacular, and yet it is incredibly important in our own spiritual formation as Christ-followers. God has created us for community, gifted us with a longing to belong, and sends us ample opportunities to engage in relationships. Hospitality is one of those opportunities. So why aren’t we more hospitable to each other and towards those who most need it?

I believe that one of the reasons we don’t engage in hospitality is safety and convenience. The times that hospitality is most needed are usually not the times that are most convenient to us. It can be just plain inconvenient for us. On top of that problem, those most in need of hospitality aren’t always all together in their time of need. It can be very uncomfortable for us.

When we allow others into our space we move them from being a stranger to being a family member. What could be more important to someone who is struggling than to be grafted into a family? Being a stranger usually involves a story of betrayal or abandonment. Bringing healing to those stories is often in the form of hospitality. We are given the awesome privilege and responsibility of being and bringing Jesus to others.

Is God opening up some doors for you to show hospitality? You really don’t need much in the way of resources and possessions other than a willing heart.

Romans 12:13
When God's children are in need, be the one to help them out. And get into the habit of inviting guests home for dinner or, if they need lodging, for the night.

1 Peter 4:9
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.