Hospitality As a Lifestyle

When we think of hospitality, we usually think of inviting people to come to our home for dinner. Or we might think of providing food for someone who is ill or recovering from surgery.

I remember other examples of hospitality I’ve seen or experienced.

When I was a little girl, my precious dad came home from work one evening. But something was missing - he didn’t have his suit coat that he started out wearing that morning! When Mom and I asked what happened to it, he humbly responded that he gave it to someone in need while out at lunch that day.

One Saturday morning, my husband and I went out to enjoy breakfast together. As we were leaving the restaurant, we observed a table with a veteran and his family. My husband paid our bill, and then with anonymous gratitude, paid the bill for the family that had served and sacrificed for our country.

Several years ago, my cousin and I attended a Bible study at a church close to where we lived. We didn’t know anyone but had heard great things about this particular church and study. I was also excited because I had recently received a special study Bible that I had wanted for devotions and learning more about the Lord. One of the women seated at our table commented that she didn’t have a Bible of her own and hoped to get one soon so she could do the assignments of the Bible study. I immediately knew what the Holy Spirit was directing me to do, and I quickly obeyed. This stranger went home with a Bible—I gave her mine.

These are also examples of hospitality.

The Lord encourages us in his word to be hospitable. Romans 12:13 admonishes us to “practice hospitality.” Our focus scripture challenges us that as we are hospitable to strangers, we could be entertaining “angels without knowing it.”

While the hospitality of inviting people to our homes is still a viable option, let us consider how vital it is to ensure that we are listening to the every direction of the Holy Spirit as we go throughout our day. That nudge to pay for the nameless driver’s order in the drive-through behind you; the opportunity to give your gloves to the unknown someone sitting outside in the cold; a chance to offer a smile to a stranger with a downcast face - could these be inspired hospitality instructions of the Holy Spirit?

May we extend hospitality as a lifestyle for the glory of Jesus. Who knows, we might even have the honor of entertaining an angel or two - without even knowing it!

Heavenly Father, I ask you to help me practice hospitality. I want to be available to show hospitality and glorify you, dear Jesus. Holy Spirit, please make it clear to me how to extend hospitality as a lifestyle. May I even have the privilege to entertain an angel without knowing it, I pray in Jesus’s mighty name. Amen.

Throughout this day: Pray and invite the Holy Spirit to show you how to practice hospitality. Throughout your day be aware of the presence of God in your life for opportunities he is giving you to be kind to strangers. Allow the Holy Spirit to teach you hospitality as a lifestyle for the glory of Jesus.