Year-round Hospitality
The holidays are not the only time to invite people to your home. Romans 12:13 exhorts us to “be given to hospitality.” The Message Bible tells us “to be inventive in” our hospitality. This means we should give some thought to it – be creative!
Your family members should be the first to benefit from your hospitality. One of the definitions of “hospitable” is to be pleasant and agreeable, providing what someone needs to live comfortably. I hope you can see how this relates, in reference to your family. Do you provide a pleasant atmosphere in your home? Is your home welcoming to your family? Are the needs of your family provided for? If you cannot answer “Yes” to these questions, the needs of your family are not being met, and you need to work on your hospitality.
Being hospitable does not mean to put on a show for guests. It is a shame when people attempt to do that. If the only time you clean the house, set the table, and prepare a beautiful meal is when guests are coming over, even your guests will be able to see through it. The reason this is true is because we minister spirit to one another. An atmosphere does not just happen because everything appears to be beautiful. When people walk into your home, they will experience the spirit of your home. Is it peaceful, loving, and welcoming? If it is not that way for your family, it will not be that way for your guests.
In your home, create an atmosphere that everyone will want to come home to. Your children, husband, or those you live with will want to invite others over. It will not be because your house is beautiful and picture perfect. It will be because they know that others are welcome, and they want people to experience the love, joy, and peace that they enjoy on a daily basis.
When Robb & I lived in our little apartment, he would bring hitchhikers home with him, unannounced. He would come up the stairs, open the door to our apartment, and tell me he had someone with him who was going to stay for dinner. I was a full time schoolteacher then and arrived home just before Robb did; but I never thought twice about it. The person who was with him was always welcomed. Robb & I took the opportunity to share the gospel with them. We have never seen any of these people again, but I am thankful we sowed God’s Word into them, and I believe it will grow up and produce. I am also thankful that they experienced a loving, peaceful atmosphere in our little home.
Many times we had a houseful of people in our tiny apartment. We’d stuff everyone in! It was fun. We never thought about the fact that we did not have a really nice place, or that it was small. We made the most with what we had. Our place was clean, and people were always welcome. We did not have a lot, but what we had, we shared.
Now we have a very nice house. We still invite people over on a regular basis. Children are always welcome, in spite of the fact that we have nice furniture and accessories. We make everyone feel as welcome as possible. Our home is for others and ourselves to enjoy.
I want to exhort you to reach out. Invite others over, but first begin by making your home a place of comfort for your family. Remember, you cannot do it with things. It can only be accomplished with your heart.