I believe the gift of hospitality is one of the most misunderstood and underestimated gifts of all. Hospitality reaches across racial delineations and cultural barriers. A hospitable person is one who extends an invitation to people outside their immediate family to experience the comfort, cuisine, and characteristics of their home, possessions or personal space.
Hospitality is a quality that requires extending yourself beyond the norm of common courtesies. It is defined by a grace that cannot be earned or deserved. Most of us long for an apostolic title or executive name plate, but few realize that the attribute or gifting of hospitality is a quality of servitude that trumps position. It makes it possible for diplomats and statesmen to network and negotiate in a place of comfort around a table of camaraderie.
Proverbs 11:16
“A gracious woman retains honor.”
Practical Application and Assignments:
Those with the gift of hospitality are not simply gracious homemakers and cooks. Hospitality prepares an atmosphere of comfort and creativity.
- Read Luke 10:38-42. It is an illustration that often shows up in sermons. In the story, two sisters Mary and Martha were both gracious to Jesus. Because Martha was so task-driven, we usually criticize her for her busyness and forget that she graciously exemplified hospitality by offering her home as a meeting place for the Master. Would Jesus be comfortable at your house?
- Put out the welcome mat. Create opportunities to graciously invite people into your life and your home. Make a special effort to help them feel welcome and comfortable.
- Welcome the gift of hospitality. It is a gift both given and received. Sometimes it goes unnoticed because it is a “behind the scenes” act of service, but the rewards will follow you into eternity.
“Be devoted to one another…Honor one another above yourselves; Practice hospitality.” Romans 12:10-18 (NIV)
