Tuesday, April 8, 2014

Pursuing Hospitality
By Susan Klein

“Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” 

I remember a time from my early childhood when moms would gather in our kitchen to discuss child-rearing, how to get stains out of clothes, and what to fix for dinner. I also recall the costume parties where neighbors from our street gathered in our four-family apartment building’s basement to unwind and have a little fun together. If someone was sick, children would be shuffled off to the neighbor’s or meals would be prepared and taken over. There was a sense of peace and security about this community of people.

I also remember how my dad loved to just “go for a drive” on a Sunday afternoon. We’d all pile into the car and inevitably end up at someone’s house for “just a quick visit.” It was not uncommon back then, and even welcomed. Not so much the norm today. To just show up at someone’s door would mortify some. Now we have to check our busy calendars, plan in advance, and hope nothing more important comes up that requires our attention. Times have definitely changed. Gone is the sense of peace and security (for many people) that comes with “community.” Our time is divided by so many things that there’s hardly room left for hospitality.

But God’s Word says that we are to practice hospitality; to spend time with guests and strangers. In fact, “practice,” in this case, is “to continually pursue” it. It’s really not optional. It’s what we are here for. God created people to live in community with each other, to do life together, to help carry each other’s burdens, and to celebrate life’s joys together. Oh, how we miss out on the blessings God has for us when we don’t pursue hospitality! One of my own greatest joys in life is inviting people into my home to get to know them, to share a meal with them, or to pray with them. Much laughter and many wonderful conversations have taken place around our kitchen table. It truly is a blessing for all involved. (And they really don’t care if my house is clean.) So, why do we let “other things” rob us of this blessing?

What if we were to start a new (old) trend? What would happen if everyone committed to setting aside some time every week or month to pursue hospitality? I’ll give you a glimpse of what would happen. New friendships would be made, peace and security would return, blessings would flow, and God would be glorified. Now, what could be more important than that?!!

GOING DEEPER:
1. Invite someone you don’t know very well over for lunch after church, or drop in on a shut-in. Be creative!

FURTHER READING:

Susan enjoys teaching Bible studies, writing, and tutoring with the Literacy Council. She and her husband Mark co-lead an on-site small group studying 2 Corinthians with Oakwood's Wednesday Night Community.