Be-Cast Episode 21: BE HOSPITABLE
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THIS WEEK’S VERSES:
“She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.” (Proverbs 31:20)
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unaware.” (Hebrews 13:2)
“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” (1 Peter 4:9)
A MESSAGE FROM SARA:
If I were to ask you who in modern day America is the picture perfect idea of hospitality, who would immediately come to mind? Most likely it is Martha Stewart. Oh I used to watch her all the time. And really much of my love for meal planning, decorating, theming (if that is even a word) came from episodes I would watch of her. Even much of my wedding planning and ideas came from her wedding guide books and magazines. Or how about watching the Food Network? How can you not love some Food Network? I would be lying if I did not admit to watching hours of Rachel, Ina, Guy…yes, we are on a first name basis. Shouldn’t we be? After all I welcome them into my home regularly. It’s easy to entertain and host when you love doing it. Some of us are lucky enough that it is a “spiritual gift.” But I wonder if we really use this gift in a spiritual way or just for a measuring up kind of way.
In a world of fast moving families and friendships that are of convenience more than necessity, our entertaining is often found in a fast food restaurant or on a ball field. And if this is the way of our culture and direction or our communities, does God still intend for us to “entertain?” (tweet that) And if so, why? Let’s see what God has to say about being hospitable:
“She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy.” (Proverbs 31:20)
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unaware.” (Hebrews 13:2)
“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” (1 Peter 4:9)
1 Peter 4:9, Amplified: “Practice hospitality to one another (those of the household of faith). [Be hospitable, be a lover of strangers, with brotherly affection for the unknown guests, the foreigners, the poor, and all others who come your way who are of Christ’s body.] And [in each instance] do it ungrudgingly (cordially and graciously, without complaining but as representing Him).”
I love in Hebrews how we are told not to “neglect.” This is telling us there is a need for hospitality…something to be gained. For those of us with the “gift of hospitality,” God’s gifts were not given so we could have the best meals or win the Christmas decorating contest; no, those gifts are for us to use to reach out to others. And for those who do not have the “gift”, God doesn’t say only show hospitality if you have the “gift.” He says do it! And He shows that it is an attribute of the Proverbs 31 woman. God is so awesome that He even tells us why and how.
Why be hospitable?
- It is an act of obedience.
- It meets a need.
- It is an act of love to others.
- We are open to being blessed.
How are we supposed to be hospitable?
- Without complaining: 1 Peter 4:9…and do it ungrudgingly or without complaining.
- Willfully or obediently: Hebrews 13:2 Do not neglect to show hospitality
- Without distracting us from what really matters: Luke 10:41-42 “Martha, Martha, you are worried and distracted by many things; there is need of only one thing.* Mary has chosen the better part, which will not be taken away from her” (10:41-42).
- As you are able: In 1 Kings 17:8-12, 18:19-24, the Lord commanded the widow of Zarephath to feed Elijah and she had very little. In fact it was what she was going to feed her and her son and then they thought they would die. But she obeyed and in doing so the Lord blessed her by making it so that her food did not run out and also that Elijah was there to heal her son as he grew sick. So, no matter what your gifts, talents, possessions, just give what you can.
But again, in this world we get so busy and me focused. Most of our entertaining is with friends and family. When was the last time you opened your home and heart to someone you didn’t know very well? Heck, most of us don’t even sit down with our kids around the table on a regular basis let alone a stranger. And yet, that is what God is really talking about here. Being the heart of Christ…showing love to others. And then He tells us that in doing so we will be blessed.
PRACTICAL APPLICATION:
1. I would encourage first that the Christian family take back the idea of hospitality in the home. Studies show that the more frequent of family dinners, the better the adolescents fare emotionally, says new research published in the Journal of Adolescent Health.
2. Secondly, take back the idea of neighborly hospitality. Get outside and meet your neighbors. Have a cook out…especially with ones you don’t know well and that don’t go to church. Thirdly, get connected in your church with friends and don’t forsake the assembling of yourselves together. We need each other…community is so very important.
3. And lastly, don’t use Martha as your measuring stick. Order pizza and eat on paper plates. I promise that whoever you are entertaining will be happy whatever is on the menu. Set the table with love…fill the soul! If you do that, whatever you serve will be sure to fill the belly.
READY MADE TWEETS:
Don’t use Martha as your measuring stick.
God’s gifts were not given so we could win a Christmas decorating contest.
DOWNLOADS:
Download this week’s wallpaper, printable and Instagram/Pinterest graphic here!
ADDITIONAL RESOURCES:
1. Bread and Wine: A Love Letter to Life Around the Table with Recipes by Shauna Niequist. The perfect read for those who love food and value the community and connection of family and friends around the table. A collection of essays about family relationships, friendships, and the meals that bring us together.
2. Open Heart, Open Home: The Hospitable Way to Make Others Feel Welcome & Wanted by Karen Mains. Going beyond Martha Stewart-type hints, this biblical approach to entertaining equips you with the skills to serve rather than impress and to reach out with the gospel in acts of love and acceptance.