The Bible teaches much about hospitality.
Think Abraham, Sarah, Lot.
While much has changed since biblical times, hospitality has a place in our lives too. We have many opportunities, both inside and outside our homes, to extend hospitality.
Lindsay at Passionate Homemaking, in her post “A Call To Practice Hospitality”, shares some wonderful insights into this subject:
“God has beautifully designed each one of us to be His Ambassadors…his hands and feet to carry His love to those around us.
Ultimately, hospitality is not limited to a space or time. It matters not how large your home is or how generous your table settings. It is rather a lifestyle of generosity.
It asks with each purchase: “can this be used to bless others?”
When we evaluate our budget and spending, it asks:
“How can we live more simply so we can have extra means to pour love on others?”
It steps back at the beginning of each week and instead of focusing on ourselves, it starts by asking:
“Who can I bless this week? What is one practical way I could minister to another?”
The more we plant these thoughts and seeds, the more they will become a passion of our hearts. And in this process, we will be storing up treasures in heaven rather than on this moth infested earth.”
In what ways do you practice hospitality into your everyday life?
I love hearing from you! Please take a moment and share your thoughts in the comments below.
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Practicing Hospitality: The Joy of Serving Others
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19 Comments
Anita Ojeda
I love the thought that hospitality is a way we pour out love to others. I’ve never really thought of it that way before. As an introvert, hospitality can really drain me, but I do have a sense of purpose accomplished as I recover from time with others!
Sarah
When I think of hospitality, I think of fun and conversation. But I also have this idea that my house needs to be spotless and make my family crazy before someone arrives. I want to let that go and drop perfection!
Down Aspen Lane
Aww….perfection! It’s such an overwhelming hurdle to overcome, isn’t it!? Thanks for stopping by, Sarah!
Down Aspen Lane also posted: https://downaspenlane.com/2017/10/22/for-the-sake-of-the-children/
Myriah Mae
I like to think my home is always open and ready for the weary friend or stranger to come have a seat…it may not be the cleanest home (we have a 2 year old) but you are welcome here. I truly love having people enter in here, I love feeding them and caring for them and listening to them…and God has really helped me over the years to not be so stressed about the condition of the home, but more concerned with having people enter in!
Kristin Cook
I LOVE the idea of keeping others in mind with each purchase. I wish I could say that I already practice that, but I am pretty selfish with my purchases. Thankfully, I can always improve!
Theresa Boedeker
Good questions to ask so we can be more hospitable. No, it is not about having a big house, it’s about having a big heart that thinks of others. Thanks for the reminder.
Jennifer
Hospitality is one of my spiritual gifts, but I often let “life”get in the way of practicing hospitality as often as I should. Thanks for these reminders.
Patti Gardner
My husband and I have people to dinner regularly. While we enjoy having dear friends for dinner and games/cards, we also like inviting people we don’t know all that well. Also, I try to invite a gal over for lunch or tea once a month. I’m a fairly new empty-nester, but I don’t just invite my age group. I invite the 70+ crowd and moms with children still at home. I might make something “grown-up” like chicken salad for us gals, but I make kid-friendly PB&J for the kids, and after they’ve eaten, I bring out toys from when my kids were little.
Hospitality is near and dear to my heart. I am currently not blogging, but when I was, hospitality was the main theme I wrote about. I think the biggest thing people need to realize is that hospitality isn’t about entertaining, it’s about loving and caring. Things don’t have to be perfect, and the meal doesn’t need to be gourmet. Just welcome people with open arms and a listening ear. They honestly don’t care how fancy the meal is.
Blessings,
Patti
Down Aspen Lane
I couldn’t have said it better myself, Patti! Thank you for this thoughtful comment. I would have liked to have read your blog. Keep up the great work in your wonderful efforts to practice hospitality!
Down Aspen Lane recently posted https://downaspenlane.com/2018/04/07/seeking-to-do-good-turning-our-deepest-sorrows-into-blessings/
Rosanna@ExtraordinaryEverydayMom
I practice hospitality by having people over for a meal or occasionally, bringing a meal to someone. That being said, I really liked your tip to think of who we can bless at the beginning of each week. I will have to say that I haven’t really done that but I think that would be a very real way to make it more intentional in my life. I will try my best to make this a habit.
Down Aspen Lane
What wonderful ways to practice hospitality, Rosanna! Keep up the great work!
Down Aspen Lane recently posted https://downaspenlane.com/2018/04/13/arise-sit-made-whole/
Melanie
This post is so inspiring! What a great reminder to think of others throughout the week.
Down Aspen Lane
Thank you, Melanie! So glad you stopped by.
Down Aspen Lane recently posted https://downaspenlane.com/2018/04/07/seeking-to-do-good-turning-our-deepest-sorrows-into-blessings/
Melanie
I love this! Such a meaningful post and something we should all start doing more of.
Down Aspen Lane
So glad you enjoyed this post, Melanie! There are so many simple ways to practice hospitality.
Down Aspen Lane recently posted https://downaspenlane.com/2018/04/09/summer-barbecue-family-friends-food-fun/
Karen
I love to practice hospitality. I thrive on the connections I have with others. I left a potted orchid on a friend’s doorstep yesterday for her birthday. It’s amazing what a little surprise can do to lift someone up.
Down Aspen Lane
So true, Karen! Little surprises are definitely underrated. A friend of mine stopped by unexpectedly with bright yellow sunflowers a few weeks ago and it made my day. (In fact, just the thought of that experience still brings a smile to my face.) I’m so grateful that I recently had the opportunity to share beautiful yellow flowers with a stranger. It was an awkward moment, but one in which I am so thankful: https://downaspenlane.com/2017/01/29/an-awkward-interruption/
Sarah Hartnett
So helpful! Such a great post!
Down Aspen Lane
Thank you, Sarah!
Down Aspen Lane recently posted https://downaspenlane.com/2018/03/29/a-story-to-share/