You know the feeling of being the “new person”— when you walk into a room and you don’t know anyone; or maybe you’re in a new place and you’re not quite sure what to do or where to go? Think about one of those experiences right now. Do you remember how you felt?
Awkward?
Unseen?
Or, maybe too seen (Hey everybody, look— who’s that??)
I consider myself to be an introverted extrovert. I love meeting new people and making new friends, but I need help to break into already-established groups and friendships. Honestly, I don’t enjoy being the one who doesn’t know anyone, or the one everyone wants to ask a million questions of in an effort to get to know (that part mainly stems from the fact that I don’t care to be the center of attention!).
Yet, as much as I don’t like being the center of attention, what I like even less is feeling invisible.
Not noticed, unapproached, or ignored.
Even those who aren’t huge fans of a ton of people interaction throughout the day don’t want to be completely forgotten about or unseen all the time.
I can think of a handful of experiences I’ve had where this has happened. I was in a place where I knew no one, and no one seemed to care to know me. It wasn’t the best of times.
In these moments, what we’re looking for is hospitality– an attitude of hospitality. And the good news is, sister, this attitude is something each and every one of us can possess if we’re willing.
What is hospitality?
A basic definition of hospitality is the act of being friendly and welcoming to guests and visitors. Normally when we think of the word hospitality, we think of inviting someone into our home, offering them a drink, snack, or meal, and making them feel welcome. Or perhaps, we think of what is known as the hospitality industry– hotels and places that are in the business of welcoming guests and visitors to the highest degree of comfort.
But, let’s not be too overly zealous, sister. This may not be us. If not, good news– we don’t have to have the ultra-clean home and amazingly-stocked fridge that’s ready to take on anyone at any time. Truth be told, I don’t particularly like uninvited guests! I don’t like the feeling of being unprepared, only having water and a handful of Goldfish crackers left to offer a visitor. It makes me feel inadequate.
You see, sister– herein lies the problem. If you are like me and the thought of always needing to be ready and willing to have people over causes you any amount of stress or thoughts of inadequacy, you’re overthinking hospitality.
Hospitality isn’t perfection. It’s not having all the right foods. It’s not having the comfiest guest room. If you do have all of these things– that’s amazing! But, those aren’t the only things that make hospitality.
Hospitality is an attitude. It is a willingness to be open, welcoming, friendly, and available (yes, sometimes to strangers and uninvited guests!).
It’s following the Lord’s leading to invite someone into your world– whether that is via your home or your heart.
And, with the Lord’s help, we can all bear that attitude.
Hospitality in the Bible
There are numerous examples of those who showed hospitality in the Bible. Let’s briefly look at three.
Lydia
Lydia was a woman who was said to be a worshiper of God. Upon hearing Paul speak, her heart was opened by the Lord and she responded to what Paul was preaching. The next thing you know, she and her household were baptized and she invited Paul and his companions to stay with her (Acts 16:14-15). Strangers. Men she didn’t know. Undoubtedly, she was led by the Lord to open her heart and her home to these people who had just blessed her with the Truth.
Abraham
Of course, we can’t forget about Abraham’s measure of hospitality as seen in Genesis 18, when he is visited by three men, one of who is the Lord. At the time of their arrival, Abraham was resting in the heat of the day; yet, he immediately rose up and invited them to stay.
“Do not neglect hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it. ”
He offered them water to wash their feet, a place to rest, bread, and a meal to eat. There was no second thought; no hesitation. Again, there was a trusting attitude of submission to the Lord that was apparent in the way that he treated these guests.
Boaz
Or how about the way Boaz showed hospitality to Ruth as he allowed her to glean in his fields? This ordinary gesture of kindness yielded extraordinary results in the life of Boaz, Ruth, and their entire family line, which traces down to Jesus!
As is evident from these examples of hospitality in the Bible, we can’t do it without His lead and guidance. We shouldn’t do it without His lead and guidance either!
HOSPITALITY: AN ATTITUDE TO LIVE BY (FREE DOWNLOAD)
Living on purpose and being intentional in our actions yields a life that brings glory to God— but only when our actions line up with His Word! Romans 12 has so much wisdom for us in how to treat others, whether we’re “entertaining strangers” or friends! Download your FREE copy featuring 25 ways to encourage, build up and show hospitality to others. Fill out the form below.
An attitude of hospitality
Hospitality is most clearly seen and recognized in the forms we just spoke about— inviting someone into your home; having someone over for coffee or a meal. Again, we can find many instances of hospitality in the Bible that give us this clear representation of such a beautiful thing. I’m even including some Bible verses about hospitality below so you can do some further reading!
However, right now, I’d like to circle back and focus specifically on hospitality as an attitude. In other words, outside of the many facets and ways we can go about being hospitable by bringing people into our homes, how can we show hospitality in a way that simply invites people into our hearts, expecting nothing in return?
3 simple ways to show hospitality
These steps aren’t complicated, sister! Even for an introverted extrovert like me, they are doable, not too intimidating, and with the Lord’s help, very effective at showing His love and kindness in a practical sort of way.
#1- Seek out the newbie.
When you’re in a place of familiarity— church, at your child’s school event, or extracurricular activities— look for what’s unfamiliar. The newest person in the room simply wants to be seen. Go out of your way to say hello, offer a smile, and a friendly greeting. What may seem like a simple gesture from you will be much appreciated (and remembered) by them.
#2- Put yourself in their shoes.
Think about what you’d want someone to say to you if you were the new person in the room. Invite them to sit with you; introduce them to your circle of friends; or, show them where they should go to check in, grab a coffee, use the restroom, or speak to the person in charge.
Remember, when we’re in new places, our senses immediately go into overdrive– we’re checking out all the people, the sounds, the environment, and trying to read the room— all at the same time. It can be overwhelming! Be the one who helps to calm their overwhelm by simply being available to assist them in navigating unchartered waters.
#3- Help them to feel like they belong.
Once you’ve helped your new acquaintance get settled, invite them to join you in a conversation with your friends; instead of pointing them in the direction of the coffee area, walk over with them; or, introduce your kids to their kids. Make a point to get to know them as soon as you can and help them to get to know you. People want to be seen and heard, but not by a “robotic welcome committee”. They want to know that there’s a chance that you could become real, authentic friends– so begin that way.
RELATED: Creating Community Among Sisters
do you have the attitude?
The beautiful thing about hospitality– whether inside or outside of your home– is that it creates the opportunity for the stranger to become a friend; for the unfamiliar to become familiar; and for the newbie to become one of the crew.
Again, sister, this attitude begins with us seeking the Lord and being obedient to what He wants us to do in the moment. If we aren't seeking Him, there’s a good chance we’ll neglect opportunities to show His love, grace, and kindness to others. Even if we’re quiet, reserved, and a little unsure of what to say– if the Lord is in it, He’ll direct your steps and your words. And, He deserves all the glory anyway!
Bible verses about hospitality
Need a little more inspiration (or motivation) to get out there and be hospitable? Rest assured, the Lord desires for us to show hospitality, so you know He’s going to equip us along the way! Here are a few Bible verses about hospitality to save and remember.
1 Peter 4:9-10 NKJV
Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each one has received a gift, minister it to one another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
Hebrews 13:1-2 NASB
Let love of the brothers and sisters continue. Do not neglect hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.
Luke 14:13-14 NASB
But whenever you give a banquet, invite people who are poor, who have disabilities, who are limping, and people who are blind; and you will be blessed, since they do not have the means to repay you; for you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.
Genesis 19:2 NASB
And he said, “Now behold, my lords, please turn aside into your servant’s house, and spend the night, and wash your feet; then you may rise early and go on your way.”
Genesis 18:2-5 NASB
When he raised his eyes and looked, behold, three men were standing opposite him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them and bowed down to the ground, and said, “My Lord, if now I have found favor in Your sight, please do not pass Your servant by. Please let a little water be brought and wash your feet, and make yourselves comfortable under the tree; and I will bring a piece of bread, so that you may refresh yourselves; after that you may go on, since you have visited your servant.”
Acts 16:15 NASB
Now when she and her household had been baptized, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come into my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.
2 Kings 4:8-10 NASB
Now a day came when Elisha went over to Shunem, where there was a prominent woman, and she urged him to eat food. And so it was, as often as he passed by, that he turned in there to eat food. And she said to her husband, “Behold now, I am aware that this is a holy man of God passing by us repeatedly. Please, let’s make a little walled upper room, and let’s set up a bed for him there, and a table, a chair, and a lampstand; then it shall be, when he comes to us, that he can turn in there.”
Romans 12:13 NASB
…contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.
Be faithful to what the Lord is calling you to do, sister! In that, who knows…you may find your next best friend! +Live on purpose+
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