Have you experienced the joy of biblical hospitality?

If you’re like me, you’d much rather be the ones extending hospitality than receiving it. In our self-sufficient society, I find it much more comfortable to be the gracious giver than humble receiver. Do you feel this way? 

But every now and then, we all need help. Such was the case that summer when we vacated our house to extend hospitality to a special family who needed our home more than we did. In advance of their arrival, we tossed around a few ideas about where we could stay. The back porch was unairconditioned. The tent leaks. Extended Stay America was pricey. So was Airbnb. 

Then a friend offered to let us stay in the room over their garage. “It has its own bathroom,” she said, “and it’s right off the kitchen. You are more than welcome. We’d love to have you.” 

We gratefully accepted.

For almost a week our dear friends shared their kitchen, their hot water, their laundry room, and, glory be, their air conditioning. We exchanged greetings as we headed out to work in the mornings and shared meals in the evenings where we recapped our days. 

Best of all, we got to know each other better, prayed together, and laughed. Although we’ve been friends for decades, our time in their home knitted our hearts together and gave us greater insight into how to love and support each other. 

Instead of being stressful and difficult, our time away from home was restful and relaxing. Our host and hostess sweetly demonstrated what 1 Peter 4:9-10 instructs: 

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.

If you have the opportunity to extend hospitality, whether it’s inviting a church visitor home for dinner after the service, having neighbors over for burgers and games, or allowing a college student to live in your spare bedroom between semesters, I encourage you to do it. 

God will use your kindness and generosity in ways you can never imagine. In the marvelous, mysterious economy of God, everything you’ve given in Jesus’ name will find its way back to you, shaken, pressed down, and running over, either in this life or in the life to come. 

A generous man will prosper; he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.

Proverbs 11:25

Now it’s your turn. When have you extended hospitality in Jesus’ name and been refreshed by doing so? Share your experience in a comment below. I’d love to hear your story.

And if you live in the Columbia, SC, area and would like to learn how to pray with power, please join me at First Baptist Church of Ridgeway on Saturday, September 30, from 9-3. We’ll laugh, learn, and worship together as we explore the sometimes mysterious, God-ordained means of talking to God. This event is free, but attendance is limited and you must register by emailing Phyllis at phan38@aol.com. Click the image below for more information.