Using Our Homes for Hospitality

Below is the outline from Gail H.'s recent Wise Women segment on "Using Our Homes for Hospitality"

1. Reflect on the Biblical definition of hospitality.
   
   • Entertains strangers
     
   • Fond of guests
     
   • Hospitable/friendly


2. Remind yourself that all are to be involved in showing hospitality.
   
   • Laymen
     Romans 12:13 “contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.”
     
     I Peter 4:8-9 “Above all keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. Be hospitable to one another without complaint.”
   
   
   • Leaders
     I Timothy 3:2 “An overseer, then must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, prudent, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.”
     
     Titus 1:8 “but hospitable, loving what is good, sensible, just, devout, self
     controlled.”


3. Regard former saints who have modeled hospitality.
   
   • Old Testament examples
     
     1. Abraham (Genesis 18:1-8)
        
     2. Lot (Genesis 19:1-3)
        
     3. The Proverbs 31 Woman (Proverbs 31:23)
   
   
   • New Testament examples
     
     1. Mary & Martha (Luke 10:40-41; John 12:1-3)
        
     2. Zaccheaus (Luke 19:1-10)
        
     3. Lydia (Acts 16: 14-15; 40)
   
   


4. Reject common excuses that preempt hospitality.
   
   • “My home/apartment is too small.”
     
   • “That’s not my gift. Someone else can do it.”
     
   • “I am single.”
     
   • “I don’t have much money or fine dishes.”
     
   • “Everything is not in perfect order.”
     
   • “Everything is in perfect order and they’ll mess it up.”
     
   • “I’m afraid.”


5. Resolve to be hospitable.
   
   • Intentionally plan strategic hospitality. (Seek your husband’s direction.)
     
   • Make a simple meal and decorate a simple but pretty table.
     
   • Be ready and willing to offer hospitality unexpectedly.
     
   • Look for ways to make it a time of true Kononia instead of a social event.
     


6. Rejoice in the reward of extending hospitality.
   
   • Realize personal pleasure in loving others. (Proverbs 31:18a)
     
   • Recognize your service in reaching the lost. (John 13:35)
     
   • Return glory to God for the commendation received. (Proverbs 31:23;29-30)