Radical Hospitality

“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” (1 Peter 4:9)

The bible has a lot to say about hospitality. Through many years of ministry, I am convinced that hospitality can be one of the most effective ways of building community in a church, but also connecting with those who are seekers.

Yet, as I write that last sentence, and I reflect on my own household’s practice of hospitality, we could do better. Over the child-rearing years the pace of life has often left us with little time to invite others over.

American culture has a lot of common standards regarding hospitality that can make inviting others seem like a lot of work. We even use the phrase “entertaining others” to describe the action of inviting others into our homes, as if hosts are expected to perform for their guests. This seems to have little correlation with biblical hospitality.

Certain people seem to naturally have the gift of hospitality. It is like they have inherited a little of Martha Stewart’s DNA. Some spiritual gift tests even outline hospitality as a unique gift bestowed on certain people. However, the biblical image of hospitality indicates it is a general expectation for all of us.

The book of Acts indicates it was common for the early church to gather in each other’s homes after meeting together for worship (see Acts 2:45). Our verse above from 1 Peter, comes from a section which describes what living a transformed life looks like. In this context hospitality is an expectation, it is a sign of Christian love.

I was excited this week to have some of Sadie’s college friends come home with her for spring break. In a similar way, I am thankful for the repeated invitations of those in my small group to meet in each other’s homes. Practicing and receiving hospitality brings me joy.

Admittedly it is easier to share hospitality with those we know and love. In a world which seems to be increasingly divided, hospitality can be countercultural. Hospitality can break down social barriers. I love the image in the Gospel of Luke when Jesus challenges his followers, “But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. (Luke 14:13-14).

There is a lot more that can be said about hospitality. I want to be better at it, and I invite you to consider how you can practice hospitality more, both with those you know well, and the spiritual seekers in our world. I ran across this prayer of hospitality recently. I invite you to pray this prayer with me for 2023.

God of Welcome and Hospitality,

Throughout salvation history,

we are provided examples of how your holy ones

have opened doors and warmly welcomed others,

just as you lovingly receive us

into the shelter of your compassion.

Help me to be more generous and hospitable,

to be courageous with my kindness.

May we never shy away from the Gospel call

to welcome strangers.

Amen.

-Pastor/Chaplain Shawn