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| Written by Kathy Chapman Sharp |
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If youre like most people, you probably think practicing Christian hospitality is equivalent to what youve
seen in entertainment books and magazines. And if youre like me, you end up feeling depressed and inadequate because you dont
quite see your holiday efforts measuring up to the glossy pages youve been reading. Take heart: Practicing Christian hospitality
isnt about glittering, glamorous table settings or platters of picture-perfect food; its about practicing servanthood right
in the middle of your practical Christianity. More important, its about loving others through Christ and making people feel
special.
Spiritual Gift or Scriptural Mandate?
While not everyone feels comfortable at the helm of a social event, some folks have a natural talent for making guests
feel special. You might think those hospitality genes are inherited, but just because your mom isn't Martha Stewart, youre
not off the hook. Thats because hospitality takes on added dimensions and new definitions for the Christian. |
Some Christians possess hospitality as a spiritual gift. The Bible tells us that every believer is given
at least one spiritual gift for the purpose of building up Gods church and serving the body of Christ. In other words, our
gifts are given not for our own benefit, but for the enrichment of others. We should be serving those around us, including
the body of believers, family, and friends.
Some Christians possess hospitality as a spiritual
gift. The Bible tells us that every believer is given at least one spiritual gift for the purpose of building up Gods church
and serving the body of Christ. In other words, our gifts are given not for our own benefit, but for the enrichment of others.
We should be serving those around us, including the body of believers, family, and friends.
Romans 12:13, however, encourages us all to practice hospitality, whether it is our spiritual gift or not. In fact, the
Greek word philozenia is actually a combination of two words philos, meaning affection and zenos, meaning stranger. While
usually translated to mean hospitality, philozenia signifies affection toward strangers.
In The Message Bible translation, 1 Peter 4:8-10 says, Most of all, love each other as if your life depended on
it. Love makes up for practically anything. Be quick to give a meal to the hungry, a bed to the homeless cheerfully. Be generous
with the different things God gave you.
Whether we have the spiritual gift of hospitality or not, it can be a part of our way of life. None of us deny that its
easier to share hospitality with family and friends than with the stranger on the street. But the New Testament teaches us
that Christianity is the religion of open hands, open hearts, and open doors. When we open our hearts as well as our homes,
were practicing Christian hospitality.
St. Benedict upheld that hospitality maintains a prominence in the living (Christian) traditionthe guest represents Christ
and has a claim on the welcome and care of the community. In other words, if we love one another, God abides in us and His
love is perfected within us and is showered on those with whom we come in contact.
The Book of 1 John makes it plain that when we love others, we are showing our love for God. He loves us completely and
unconditionally. Equally, when we love and serve others in the community through hospitality, we are also serving God.
Practice Makes Perfect
While the art of hospitality may come easy for some, it may be quite difficult for others. After all, its not always easy
to give of yourself, much less your hard-earned gains. And like most things in life, hospitality isnt done perfectly the first
time. But dont stop trying. When we do it over and over, it truly becomes a comfortable part of our nature. Its all in perspective.
Many people choose to focus on what they dont have instead of focusing on sharing the blessings of God. So give it a try.
Somewhere along the way, youll realize that people are not in your home for the unlimited entertaining budget. Rather, they
sense lovingkindness and genuine concern. Thats the moment when your home becomes a sanctuary for those God sends your way.
Just think: If Christians would practice true hospitality, we could play a significant part in changing our corner of the
world. After all, we are living miracles and have so much to share.
The bottom line is that God can use people like you and me to touch lives. It doesnt matter if we rent or own a house or
an apartment; our homes are an extension of ourselves. When we practice hospitality, we have the opportunity to touch lives
in an intimate, personal way. Be bold: God has not only given you the roof over your head, but also will give you the love
and wisdom needed to open your home to others.
With a little planning and preparation and a good measure of prayer you can be prepared to share your home with friends,
neighbors, and even the strangers God may send your way.
This article courtesy of Christian Single magazine.
Article Address: http://www.lifeway.com/lwc/article_main_page/0,1703,A%253D150124%2526M%253D50019,00.html
