Pursuing
Hospitality
By
Susan Klein
“Share
with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
Romans
12:13 (NIV)
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.
