The Art of Hospitality



Photo courtesy of Luxury Home Interiors

December always brings plenty of social events. Family get-togethers, girls' night out, employee's Christmas party, even the Christmas ball - there are more than enough opportunities to be with others around this holiday season. But too often we get focused on where we are going to and neglect an opportunity that is often afforded to us, but in most cases is rarely taken advantage of - the art of true hospitality.

"Be hospitable to one another without grumbling."

~ 1 Peter 2:9 ~

Just like etiquette, hospitality is a fading ideal in our modern society. Quite frankly, we usually think of being hospitable whenever it benefits us. Many of our ideas about fellowship and "hanging out" have turned into a shopping spree to the mall, pizza and a movie, or going to get a manicure done. Don't get me wrong; pizza is really good and movies are fun (those are the only two I can legitimately speak of since my shopping record is quite dismal and I have yet to get a manicure or pedicure done). But true Biblical hospitality is so much more than having a few friends over and watching the latest flick. Rather, it is a demonstration of honor, love, and selflessness. Through hospitality, we can build up fellow Christians in the faith. It's an opportunity to open our home to those in need of shelter, food, and love. It's a practical way of laying aside your own desires and pouring into the lives of those who are lonely, discouraged, sick, or struggling.

". . . 'When you give a dinner or a supper,

do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors,

lest they also invited you back,

and you be repaid.

But when you give a feast,

invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind.

And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you;

for you shall be repaid at the

resurrection of the just."

~ Luke 14:12-14 ~

The Lord's call to hospitality seems quite backwards in our modern way of thinking. Instead of using hospitality as a way to boost our social status, our home ought to be a haven for the outcasts of society. Understand there is strong Scriptural endorsement of having relatives and close friends over for a meal. But we shouldn't stop there. Christ calls us to invite the lost, lonely, and poor into our homes and treat them as royalty. Hospitality, much like other social graces, is a mark of Christ-centered femininity. When a woman's focus is not on herself, but on serving, honoring, and blessing those in need, hospitality is a natural by-product.

So, what are some ways we can build an atmosphere that is conducive towards Biblical hospitality?

For one, start with yourself. No one likes to go to a home where the hostess is bustling around the house and never sits down to sincerely enjoy the fellowship. A woman who displays a demeanor of restlessness and disquiet will most likely diffuse that to her guests. Creating a hospitable atmosphere starts in our hearts. You house the very essence of true hospitality - being a place of refreshment and peace to your guests. When you exude an attitude of peace and contentment, many times that allows your guests to relax and enjoy the time they will have with you. Offering a listening ear, praying with friends, or even just the simple gesture of spending time with someone are ways in which you can be a refreshment to others.

The other is your external environment. If you've ever seen a Thomas Kinkade painting of a cottage or home, you've probably noticed the "window glow" that he almost always uses. It's a glow that comes from a home full of laughter and warmth. He puts it this way.

"Here in America, we've installed television sets everywhere

so that people never have to converse.

Have you ever walked at night by a window

where the television was on?

The light is dim and cold.

But walk at night by a window where a fire is flickering,

where a candle is lit,

and see the difference.

The warm glow in the windows is so inviting

that it draws you in.

It's not high-tech entertainment that puts warmth in the windows,

but human connection.

It's human warmth that makes up the golden glow."

~ Thomas Kinkade ~

Does your home have the "window glow?" Candles, home-made meals, soft music, fresh-baked cookies, and flower arrangements are just a few things that can add the cozy and welcoming light to your home. But apart from the exterior, we must also consider the attitudes and activities that take place while hosting guests. Is your conversation meaningful? Is your ear open to their heart? Can you cultivate a fun and family environment without having to use technology? Do people come away from your house feeling as if they have encountered Christ?

As you make a welcoming environment, it's always helpful to have a notebook handy to jot down any last-minute ideas. Creating a fun and warm atmosphere for your guests is one of the most enjoyable parts of Christ-centered hospitality. Not only are we rewarded by seeing our guests walk away fulfilled, but we know we have honored the Lord by becoming His hands and feet to those who are in need of refreshment.