Hospitality: a Christian calling

With Thanksgiving this week and Christmas just around the corner, many of us will find ourselves either hosting family and friends or being hosted by them. Whether we’re in the first camp or the second, there will likely be plenty of to-do lists as we prepare for the season ahead. For me, I know it will mean a lot of cooking and baking. The holiday season can often be hectic and rushed, and it’s easy to get caught up in all the things we have to do. But, in the midst of the busyness, we can miss out on what we are truly called to do as Christians. If we’re not careful, we may overlook opportunities to practice hospitality—the very thing we are commanded to do.

You might think that hospitality is just about entertaining. But I believe there’s a significant difference between the two. Entertaining focuses on the environment—the food, the decorations, the setting—while hospitality focuses on the people. Hospitality is more than just having a nice meal or a perfect setting; it’s about welcoming others into your life, offering them kindness, and making them feel valued.

Two definitions of hospitality that I found helpful are:

1. Being friendly and welcoming to strangers or guests.
2. Creating a generous, pleasant, and sustaining environment for others.

Hospitality is a calling. As Christians, it’s a way for us to show love and kindness, and a way to minister to others in practical, everyday ways.

Sometimes we can feel as though there are barriers to our hospitality. Perhaps you’re saying, “But Sarah, I don’t have a home of my own. How can I be hospitable?” Or maybe you’re saying, “I’ve never done this before. I wouldn’t even know where to start!” Or you might think, “I don’t have a nice place,” “I don’t have the space,” or “I’m too shy.”

If any of these sound familiar, my answer is simple: these are challenges that can be overcome with a little practice and a right attitude. Unlike entertaining, hospitality doesn’t require a perfect home or a flawless event. It’s about spending time with others—whether at home or outside your home. When you haven’t had the chance to clean or there’s many things to do, sometimes, it’s easier to meet at a café or park, and that’s perfectly fine! The key is that the focus of hospitality should never be on the environment, but on the person—on making them feel loved, seen, and cared for.

Hospitality is an opportunity to be Christ-like in the way we show love and care to others. Jesus didn’t have a permanent home, but that didn’t stop Him from serving others humbly wherever He was. He ate and fellowshipped with sinners, the poor, the sick, and the outcast. He modeled what true hospitality looks like: selfless, humble, and generous.

In the Bible, God commands us to be hospitable and provides us with countless examples of how to do so. Let’s look at some of the women in Scripture—though hospitality is for men as well. These women lived in different times, places, and circumstances, but they were all used by God to further His Kingdom through hospitality.

• Rebekah: When Abraham’s servant came to her, she offered him water at the well—and even watered his camels. She then became the wife of Abraham’s son, Isaac.
• Zipporah: She gave Moses water when he fled from Egypt, and her father, Jethro, offered Moses a place to stay and eventually Zipporah in marriage.
• Naomi: Showed kindness to her daughter-in-law Ruth, despite their difficult circumstances and different heritage.
• The Widow at Zarephath: Fed Elijah when she herself had very little flour and oil to feed herself and her son. Yet she did and even gave Elijah a place to lodge when he needed.
• The Shunammite woman: Fed Elisha every time he passed through town and even built him a room in her home for rest.
• Jael: Despite being an enemy of Israel, she offered Sisera, the Canaanite general, food and shelter. God used her hospitality to deliver Israel from oppression.
• Esther: Hosted a banquet for King Xerxes, which eventually led to the salvation of her people.
• Mary and Martha: Hosted Jesus in their home, offering Him rest and fellowship.
• Lydia: Invited Paul to stay in her home after she was converted.
• Priscilla and Aquila: Worked alongside Paul in ministry and opened their home to others.
• Euodia and Syntyche: Women who ministered alongside Paul and were known for their service.

There are many more, but these women, each from different walks of life, showed hospitality in various forms—whether through offering a meal, a place to stay, or simply their time. In each case, their hospitality was used by God for the furtherance of His Kingdom. That’s the heart of hospitality—to share God’s love with others and create an environment where His Gospel can be heard and received.

Overcoming the Challenges of Hospitality

Hospitality can be challenging—it takes time, effort, and sometimes sacrifice. Maybe you’re busy, finances are tight, or you simply don’t have the energy. You might not be able to provide the lavish spread or the perfectly clean home you’d like. But that’s okay! We don’t need to meet our own expectations; we just need to do our best with what God has given us. Even if we’re not able to offer everything we’d like, our hearts should still be focused on the people we’re welcoming, not the setting.

Remember, hospitality doesn’t always have to be a grand gesture. Sometimes, it’s the small acts of kindness that make the biggest difference. Jesus’ ministry was full of small acts of love—like washing feet, eating with sinners, and spending time with the overlooked. His example reminds us that hospitality is about people, humility, and service, not perfection.

The Right Heart of Hospitality

It’s crucial that we approach hospitality with the right heart. As Romans 12:9 says, “Let love be without hypocrisy.” Hospitality should come from a sincere desire to serve, not from a sense of obligation or duty. In 2 Corinthians 9:7, we are told that God loves a cheerful giver. Likewise, hospitality should be given willingly and with joy, not begrudgingly. We are called to serve others in love, without complaint or pretense.

In Luke 10, Jesus gently rebukes Martha, who was so consumed with the details of hosting that she neglected the opportunity to sit and listen to Jesus. Jesus says to her, “Martha, Martha, you are worried and troubled about many things, but one thing is needed.” Our hospitality should never distract us from the true purpose of our gatherings: fellowship and ministry.

Practical Ways to Show Hospitality

Here are a few practical ways you can show hospitality:

• Pray for someone: Text them, telling them you’re praying for them, and then actually pray.
• Write a note: Send a “thank you” note or a simple “thinking of you” note. It doesn’t have to be long, but it will be a meaningful way to connect with someone.
• Share a meal: Bring someone a homemade treat, a meal, or even just a little something from last night’s dinner.
• Offer your time: Sometimes the greatest act of hospitality is simply offering your presence—whether that’s through a phone call, a coffee date, or a visit.
• Welcome newcomers: If you see someone new in church or in your community, take a moment to introduce yourself and make them feel welcome.
• Budget for hospitality: Set aside a small amount of money to invest in hospitality. It doesn’t have to be expensive—sometimes a small token or treat is enough.

Remember, hospitality doesn’t always mean hosting a dinner party. It’s about being intentional with your time and resources to make others feel valued and loved. It’s about creating a safe space where people can experience the love of Christ through you.

As we approach the holiday season, let’s remember that hospitality isn’t just a seasonal activity— as Christians, it’s a lifestyle. The world often prioritizes self, but hospitality requires selflessness. It challenges us to put others before ourselves, just as Christ did.

In Colossians 3:23-24, ²³ And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men; ²⁴Knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ. Here we are reminded that whatever we do, we should do it heartily, as to the Lord. This includes our acts of hospitality. Whether big or small, our service should be for His glory.

So, let’s take on the challenge of hospitality. Let’s make it a daily practice, not just in the coming weeks but year-round. Let’s offer the love of Christ to others, and in doing so, shine His light in a dark world.