Christian Hospitality
Episode # 47
How are your Christian hospitality skills? Is this something that needs practice or do you have an open door policy and invite people into your inner circle, often? In this episode, Felice Gerwitz discusses how hospitality is a gift but a skill that can improve and grow. Who knows, you may be entertaining angels!
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Hebrews 13:22 is a warning from St. Paul who says, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”
I know we are all busy and the idea of one more thing often tips us over the edge. Yet, Christian hospitality really begins at home. I know many churches are equipped with various ministries and they all have a very important place. In fact, those ministries are a way for people to connect and grow in faith. In the past, I volunteered to teach many classes at church and for over ten years was very involved. As the seasons of my life changed, I began working on Christian hospitality and ministry in other ways. This podcast reflects one of those ways.
The Bible gives us much food for thought. Jesus was an example when he went to a tax collector’s home, someone who was considered a crook by many because they often charged more than they should in order to keep some of the money. Read Matthews 5:46-48 — here Jesus challenges us to extend our Christian hospitality even to our enemies and one line always gets me, “So be perfect, just as our heavenly Father is perfect.”
How can we be perfect? The Father, our heavenly Father perfects us – -we can’t do it alone. We are such a mess most of the time, one friend calls it being a “hot mess.” How can we minister to others when we can’t even minister to ourselves? Well, with the help of our heavenly Father!
Here is some suggestions.
- Pray. Is there someone at church who catches your eye and perhaps someone you should invite out for coffee?
- Ask the Lord for guidance. Is there a particular ministry He wants you involved with or something you should join?
- Introduce people you think might get along and see if you can connect others.
- If you are Catholic and are able, go to daily Mass. Or, no matter what your denomination, take time to sit in quiet and listen to the Lord.
- Pray about ways you can be used by the Lord in Christian hospitality.
- If you are in a group setting, speak to those you don’t know.
- Invite someone you don’t know into your own group.
- Invite someone to listen to this podcast — it is a form of Christian ministry and hospitality. Better yet, listen with a friend!
The simple gesture of kindness and hospitality toward a stranger can be turned into something wonderful by the Lord. Take the time to talk to those you don’t know. If you are in prayer about this, the Lord will provide those wonderful “God-incidents” to connect you with those in need.
Remember to fill up! Go to church, pray, read the Bible and be still before the Lord. You can’t give to others if you are spiritually empty yourself.
Let’s pray:
Dear Lord, I thank you for the gifts you’ve given me and to those who are listening to this broadcast. I know that nothing is impossible for you and if you call us to service, you will provide not only for us but for those who we minister to, in Your Name, Jesus. We ask you to send us out in service for You, as your hands and feet. Point us to those who need You the most and let us help in any way that we can. Thank you Lord for giving us the gift of hospitality and bring good for the kingdom of God from our efforts. I pray this in Jesus, Name. Amen.
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