Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Hospitality Defined

As a believer in Christ and desiring to live out what it means to truly be a faithful follower of God's Word, we must include Biblical hospitality as a quality in our role as women serving the Lord. What does Biblical hospitality look like? In Practicing Hospitality by Pat Ennis and Lisa Tatlock, we can find a thorough and Biblical explanation of what hospitality should look like and what the heart of a woman who has a desire to serve the Lord and others acts like.

Women who participated in a survey gave these definitions of hospitality...they are worthy of reading. But, don't just read them...allow God to work in your heart to examine yourself and see what is holding you back from practicing hospitality. Repent and move forward to allow God to use you in this area.

A love of strangers, a willingness and a desire to meet any need of those whom the Lord brings into our lives.- Melissa Barnes

Opening up and sharing our lives with other people...we tend to think of hospitality as planning and executing an event or dinner party...while these activities fall within the realm of hospitality, they can not define it.-Bonnie Bishop

Being helpful and generous to others. It extends beyond the confines of the home.-Lynn Cathy

A welcoming spirit to open your home and share what the Lord has given you with anyone He brings our way: friends,family, neighbors, or someone you just met.-Lisa-Ann Chun

Meeting the emotional, physical, and spiritual needs of our guests in an atmosphere of warmth and love.-Sue Edwards

Defined by servanthood, striving to do for others, causing them to feel welcomed, wanted, and worthwhile...The ultimate goal of Christian hospitailty is furthering the kingdom of God...in other words, will my behaviors encourage others to know Christ?-Debby Lennick

Showing love to strangers; welcoming people into a dwelling place with love and grace for the purpose of demonstrating Christ's love to them.-Connie Naresh


Demonstrating hospitality is one practical method for demonstrating our love for both God and others.

Romans 12:13 "Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality."

1 Timothy 5:10 "...and having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work."

1 Peter 4:9 "Show hospitality to one another without grumbling."