In an earlier post on hospitality (read it here), I discussed the importance of guest follow up, and I shared some tips and tools. I based my post on Hebrews 13:2 – “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it.” This is a reference to Abraham entertaining angels in Genesis 18:2.
In the ancient Hebrew and Christian traditions, the basis for hospitality toward the stranger is an openness to learning about another person. At the heart of this is listening, not to respond, but to understand, an understanding grounded in sympathy and empathy. When we provide space for others to share their stories, stories of life, faith, fear and joy, we should be moved by their individual experiences. At the heart of hospitality is the desire to foster and develop a relationship with your guest.
But let’s take a step back. Before we can get to the point of followup, how well do we receive guests? Do we entertain our guests who join us for worship as we would if God were to show up, as Abraham did? I was reading a story of a Trader Joe’s employee, who speaks highly of their commitment to hospitality. The employee, Leslie, shared an incident with a woman who had lost her husband recently. “As she left with her purchases, I noticed that she left her credit card behind. I rushed to chase her down, but swung by our flower department and picked up a bouquet. I presented her card and her flowers. She cried. I cried. I told our store captain about the encounter, who praised me and hoped I had picked out one of our best bouquets.” Do we offer our best to the guests we encounter? This is what God offered to us – the very best in Jesus.
So what does Biblical hospitality look like? In the fast-paced and often fragmented modern world, the concept of genuine hospitality seems like a fading art. However, for the Church, the practice of Biblical hospitality remains a cornerstone, vital for nurturing a sense of community, fostering spiritual growth, and reflecting the profound love of God. As we delve into the importance of Biblical hospitality, we unravel its transformative power and its significance within the Church.
Genuine biblical hospitality calls us to a few practices:
- We are called to build authentic connections: this extends beyond mere surface-level interactions. It is a call to cultivate an environment where people feel welcomed, accepted, and valued. By fostering meaningful relationships, the Church becomes a place where individuals can find a sense of belonging and support, mirroring the unconditional love of Christ.
- We are called to reflect God’s love: This means we are to embody God’s love in action. By opening our doors and hearts to others, we mirror the love that God has lavished upon us. Through hospitality, we can share the grace and compassion found in the Gospels, which paves the way for the transformation of lives and hearts.
- We are called to embrace diversity and inclusion: Biblical hospitality transcends cultural, social, racial and economic boundaries. It calls for the inclusion of all, irrespective of their background or status. By embracing diversity, the Church showcases the beauty of unity in Christ, fostering an environment where people from all walks of life can come together in mutual respect and understanding.
- We are called to foster spiritual growth: Hospitality is a spiritual discipline. Through meaningful conversations, shared experiences, and communal worship, individuals are encouraged to deepen their understanding of faith, leading to spiritual maturity and a stronger connection to their Christian identity.
Biblical hospitality stands as a testament to the core values of the Church, reminding us of the importance of love, community, and service. By practicing hospitality, we not only enrich the lives of those within our walls, but we also proclaim to the world a message of hope and redemption. As we continue to uphold this timeless practice, we pave the way for a stronger, more inclusive, and compassionate Christian community, fostering a place where all are welcomed, loved, and embraced. How does your church practice hospitality?