The Privilege of Hospitality

by Sarah
from Virtuous Daughters, March 2011~Volume 10, Number 12

Hospitality is a powerful witnessing tool. When a family invites others into their home and offers their time, love, and service in the name of Christ, they are offering a glimpse of their Christian life. In fact, a biblical guideline for a church elder is that he be a lover of hospitality: 1 Timothy 13:2 reads, “A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, vigilant, sober, of good behavior, given to hospitality, apt to teach."

The Lord has given our family several opportunities recently to extend hospitality to those who are traveling through our area. Though it can be extra work to prepare the home for company, that effort is promptly repaid by the blessing of fellowship with guests. How can we, as daughters, assist our parents in offering a comfortable and homey atmosphere to visitors? One major way we can do this is to routinely keep our home clean. During some seasons of the year this might be more of a chore than others, but if we daughters help with keeping the home clean, when company is scheduled to arrive, the entire family will not be in a crunch to deep-clean the home and clear out a guest bedroom! We share a bedroom, and so we try to keep it clean all the time so that last minute cleaning duties only include putting clothes away or straightening up the bedspreads. That makes it less work when the announcement goes around, “Company’s coming!” and it’s time to make our room available for our guests.
 
One thing we would also like to share about making guests feel comfortable is to remember to take your friends’ coats or purses and show them where the bathroom is located. Also, greet them cheerfully at the door, or better yet, outside! Once while traveling, we visited friends, and upon our arrival, our friends all rushed outside glad to see us, giving us hugs and handshakes. We felt so welcomed and blessed! Remember what interests your guests have and try to do what they would enjoy with the time you have together. Consider their parents’ preferences as well in choosing activities, and don’t forget to keep an eye on the younger siblings.
 
There are different seasons in each family’s life when hospitality may be an option and others when certain situations make it harder. In families with mostly young children or when family members might be ill, hospitality is more difficult, and this certainly is not something to feel guilty about! On the other hand, if the Lord brings guests to your door weekly, praise the Lord for those opportunities in which your family can extend the love of Christ!
 
Here are a few decorating ideas for creating a welcoming atmosphere to your home.
 

• Flowers are a good to use to decorate  in the spring and summer: tulips, lilacs, iris, and other flowers are cheery table decorations
• Pumpkins, pine cones, and pine greenery are pretty in the fall
• Wreaths, lights, ornaments, candles, and greenery add a cheery feeling during the winter months
• Tablecloths are a good way to make plain tables more fancy—have different color tablecloths to go with the season, like red, green, and even white are nice in the winter 

 
Let us remember this verse: “Use hospitality one to another without grudging” (1 Peter 4:9). May God bless you daughters as you strive to assist in your family’s hospitality projects! Remember what a privilege it is.