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
is married to Mark, and has two adult children. She enjoys teaching Bible
studies, writing, and tutoring with the Literacy Council. She is a member of
the Peace Team at Oakwood and also co-leads an on-site small group.
