The Practice of Hospitality {Day 51}

From Chaos to Calm: Day 51

You can find all of the articles in this series here.

 Scripture Memory: “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” Hebrews 13:2

  Since we have recently been working on our entry ways to make them more welcoming, I felt that this would be a good time to discuss the art of hospitality.

   The word hospitality is different from “entertaining.” In my mind, “entertaining friends” implies the need to impress others with my culinary skills, my nice house, etc.

The Practice of Hospitality

Hospitality on the other hand is Christ like. It is an offering of our time and company to others. It is a way for us to show our friends and family we care. It is a way to reach out to those in need of friendship and it is a way to beckon others to come to Christ – not through our words, but by our actions.

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The virtuous woman of Proverbs 31 reaches out her hand to the needy. She cared about others! Whether it is the single mom down the road, a  stay-at-home-mom in desperate need of friendship, the elderly person who doesn’t get out much, or the neighbor across the street who never goes to church, people need – long for – friendship.

  By opening up your home to others, you offer a real example of Christ. When you invite new believers, non-believers, and the faith-filled, there is a blessing awaiting you as well as your guests.

Most women cringe at the thought of guests popping in unexpected because they never know if the house will be clean. By diligently and willingly following the From Chaos to Calm Challenge, you will open up a world of possibilities. You will be able to say to church members, “Come by – anytime!” and mean it! You can invite the neighbor over for a glass of lemonade when you see her working hard in her yard – and you will be ready!

By sticking to your schedule you will find that you have time to nurture the needs of those in your community; in your own home or on the go. No longer will the piles of laundry and sink full of dirty dishes weigh you down. You will be free to practice Biblical Hospitality.

And another benefit you will notice is that your husband is no longer ashamed to bring friends home for work – he will be proud to bring them home!