HIS ACTIONS
“Then, as soon as they had come to land, they saw a fire of coals there, and fish laid on it, and bread… Jesus said to them, ‘Come and eat breakfast.’” John 21:9, 12
Jesus’ Hospitality
HIS EXAMPLE TO US
Jesus, Who had no home to invite people to, Who had no belongings except His clothing, Who had no pantry cupboards full of food, and no furniture to sit on, nevertheless showed hospitality. He “invited and provided” by calling His disciples beach-side after a long night of fishing, having a hot breakfast and some good conversation waiting for them.
MY STORY
I admit that I struggle in practicing the gift of hospitality. I don’t love to invite people in; my house never feels clean enough or decorated enough; I don’t enjoy spending hours in the kitchen to cook food that guests will love. When I go to the homes of others who graciously invite me, I see furniture arranged for conversation, a home-cooked meal, and sweet touches like candies in a bowl, special hand towels in the restroom, and scented, foaming soap. It makes me feel like I matter to them. A special touch in my home might be an invitation to sit in a chair without cat hair all over it—a chair that I hurriedly vacuumed moments before my guests arrive.
MY RESPONSE
I have long suspected I need to climb out of this box of perfection and comparison I’ve put myself in. My home doesn’t need to be “just so.” The food I offer can be simple and every day. I’ve never heard a woman turn down an invitation to go to someone’s house because the meal wouldn’t be special! I see my need to deal with pride, expectations, and concern over appearances.
I also can be open to being hospitable in different ways. Breakfast instead of dinner, anyone? How about a picnic on the beach? Food can be bought at a deli or a sandwich shop. Or it can be made ahead so I don’t feel so rushed and preoccupied when guests arrive. I’m certain God has other good ideas to give me—other ways I can practice hospitality that’s out of the box.
Hospitality for Jesus was “sharing what He had.” And in this country and culture, we surely have a lot to share. My thinking has changed from what a burden hospitality is, to showing love in a spirit of friendship and fellowship by sharing what I have been given.
MY PRAYER
“Father, I admit my struggle with what seems to be so easy for other women. I humbly ask that what You have shown me will become a new mindset, a new way of seeing. Transform me in this area. May my arms be wide open to receive whomever You send. I offer myself in Jesus. Amen.”
God Bless you!! Speaking for my self, it never occurs to me to ‘judge’ what somebody else’s house and belongings look like other than maybe noticing that some have either ‘less’ or more than others or a different lifestyle. My mother ‘decorated’ her home with stuff she liked whether it was a particular theme or not. It was always beautiful and comfortable and inviting. I’ve never had a 2 income home with the money to have ‘themes’ or a lot of decorative or coordinated household goods. When people come, they are welcome, but I’m not really socially involved. I’ve always felt ‘gatherings’ were for fellowship.. nothing more and nothing less. It’s OK to be who you are… Period!
In my younger days, my home hosted at least one Holiday get together because I had 4 boys and it was much easier for people to come to my home than to travel to theirs.. And I don’t recall anyone having a problem with ‘the accommodations’. You have what the Lord has provided.
Encouraging words for those of us who find hospitality daunting.
People come over to hang out and relax. If my house looks “lived in” I throw stuff in the bedrooms, put on the coffee and enjoy. Martha Stewart I am not, but a friend with a listening ear is I can be.