“Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.” 1 Peter 4:9 NKJV
“In the act of serving don’t neglect the gracious art of hospitality.”
My thoughts today are about the “art of hospitality.”
Hospitality is a fine art in relationships. How would you describe it? Think of a time when you experienced a generosity of hospitality. Whether you know how to describe it, you know when you experience it. Hospitality is more than opening your home to someone; it means opening your heart by serving others in a practical and lovely way. I think hospitality could be defined more simply as making another person feel at home when they are not.
The most basic level of hospitality involves a willing heart for serving others. The Bible’s instruction is this, “Through love, serve one another.” Galatians 5:13 NKJV. Without generosity in your heart, hospitality is hard work. You will avoid it, excuse yourself from it, or do the minimum when required. It would be possible to do the expected and necessary things while entertaining others, without reaching a true level of hospitality. “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.” 1 Peter 4:9 NKJV. Hospitality starts in your heart.
Anyone can put cookies on a paper plate; but there are others who bake their best cookie recipe served hot and fresh from the oven with the sweet aroma welcoming guests at their door, then artfully display their treats on a lovely platter, and finally, personally serve with a smile and heart-felt welcome that shows it was their privilege to do so. Don’t you really love those folk?
Hospitality is all about doing over and above what ought to be done; that involves how willingly and well it is done and the added touch of your joy in doing so. I have seen such gracious hosting firsthand. My Mom, my wife, and our daughters have a knack for making other people feel special in their home and company. There is a grace of creativity they express, and an eye for loveliness, and a generosity with which they exercise hospitality. Hospitality is the expression of who they are and the way they regard others.
The good news for all is that the art of hospitality can be learned. Paul’s instruction to the Roman Christians was, “Share with God’s people . . practice hospitality.” Romans 12:13 NIV. This is one of those areas where “practice makes perfect.” It is more an art form than a science. It is a way of meeting practical needs in a manner that ministers grace to the human spirit.
The real heart of hospitality may best be captured in this verse, “Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone, especially to (those of faith).” Galatians 6:10 NLT. A word of caution; in the busy act of serving don’t neglect the gracious art of hospitality. Martha and Mary were entertaining Jesus in their home. What an honor! Martha is described as “distracted with serving.” She became so busy for Jesus that she did not have time with Jesus. See Luke 10:38-42. I think that could probably be said about a lot of us a lot of the time. Hospitality is, first of all, sharing yourself with another; serving them well flows out of that.
My prayer for you today is that you serve others as you would enjoy being served.
3-2-11