Introduction to Hospitality
1st Peter 4:9 says, "Show hospitality to one another without grumbling." The New Living Translation says, "Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay." It's interesting to realize that two thousand years ago, the Apostle Peter had to admonish Christians to show hospitality without grumbling. The church was in its infancy, and God had poured out his Spirit with abundant generosity. Many had witnessed signs, wonders, and miracles, but the church also saw persecution and danger. It would seem that sharing meals and opening homes would be done cheerfully and with the expectation of fellowshipping with the brethren to share the goodness of God and the burdens of the saints.
We know the Apostle Peter understood the power of hospitality because years earlier, he and the Apostles experienced it daily. Acts 2:42-47 "And they devoted themselves to the apostles' teaching and the fellowship, to the breaking of bread and the prayers. And awe came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. And all who believed were together and had all things in common. And they were selling their possessions and belongings and distributing the proceeds to all, as any had need. And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all the people." Notice that in the scripture above, they received their food with glad and generous hearts. They were happy people.
Hospitality back then was a lot more work than it is today. With all the modern conveniences we have today, and more kitchenware and gadgets created, it shouldn't be that much of a hassle to open our homes, but it is. Hospitality should come from our hearts, not out of obligation, because the Bible tells us to do it. Think about why you don't open up your home more. What comes to your mind?
In general, I think people feel it's just a lot of work and not worth the time, effort, and money. Also, in our present age, hospitality has become a showmanship work. Everything needs to be perfect. The house needs to be cleaned as if an inspector was coming instead of guests. There are table settings that need to be perfect and meal planning exact. Come on now, that pastor, elder, and leader must be impressed. In some ways, hospitality has become a thing to impress instead of serve. Lately, I haven't seen leadership in the community opening their homes. They do hospitality at the church, community center, or business location.
Why don't more leaders open their homes to their neighbors, friends, and families? Because it's the generation of boundaries. Everyone needs to have proper boundaries. I agree with having boundaries, but the boundary topic is a bit overdone, like that overcooked steak you chew twenty times to digest. If you are using the boundary excuse and closing up your heart and mind to hospitality, you're missing out on some wonderful blessings.
This hospitality series will be challenging as we delve into hospitality in all kinds of settings. We are going into the historical backdrop of hospitality and hospitality worldwide. Hospitality is also an industry that the business world takes seriously. I want to take it seriously, too, but for different reasons. I'm writing a book called The Purpose, Power, and Practice of Hospitality. I'm on a hospitality journey because I know there is something beautiful about serving and meeting people's needs. It's genuine. It's biblical and a God thing and I want in on it. I hope and pray that you enjoy the hospitality ride with me.