Open for Hospitality
Over the years my husband and I have become lovers of hospitality. We love to open our home and share fellowship especially with like-minded believers, friends and family. There is something special about opening up your home and sharing what you have (great or small) with others. The concept of hospitality is not new, nor is it outdated. The scriptures have a lot to say when it comes to this topic.
From the Old Testament to the New Testament, we see that opening our homes to others is more than just a kind gesture—it’s a reflection of God’s love and a wonderful way to live out our faith.
Consider the story of Abraham in Genesis 18. When three visitors came to him, Abraham didn’t hesitate. He ran to meet them, bowed low, and offered them water, food, and rest. Little did he know that these guests were messengers from God. This story beautifully illustrates how hospitality allows us to serve God, often in ways we may not immediately recognize.
In the New Testament, the call to hospitality is echoed in passages like Romans 12:13, which instructs us to be “given to hospitality” The writer of Hebrews takes it a step further, saying, “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Hebrews 13:2). These verses remind us that hospitality is not optional for believers; it is an essential part of our Christian walk.
The Guest Room: A Space for Ministry
In light of the Biblical call to hospitality, having a guest room becomes much more than just a practical arrangement—it becomes a space for ministry. A guest room is an expression of our readiness to welcome others into our lives, whether they be friends, family, or even strangers.
Several weeks ago during our family Bible time, my husband read 2 Kings 4, about the Shunammite woman who provided a room for the prophet Elisha. Recognizing that he was a man of God, she and her husband built a small room on their roof, furnished it with a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp, and invited Elisha to stay there whenever he passed through. This act of hospitality not only provided Elisha with a place to rest but also opened the door to blessings for the Shunammite woman and her family.
The guest room in our homes can serve a similar purpose. It can be a place where weary travelers find rest, where friends and family experience God’s love, and where even the smallest acts of kindness have the potential to make a lasting impact.
Hospitality as a Reflection of God’s Heart
At its core, hospitality is a reflection of God’s own heart. God is the ultimate host, inviting us into His kingdom, providing for our needs, and offering us rest. When we open our homes and hearts to others, we mirror God’s generosity and love.
Jesus Himself modeled this hospitality during His earthly ministry. He shared meals with tax collectors and sinners, welcomed children, and even washed His disciples’ feet. In doing so, He demonstrated that true hospitality goes beyond simply offering food or shelter; it involves serving others with humility and grace.
By keeping a guest room ready and by practicing hospitality, we align ourselves with God’s heart for people. We create opportunities for relationships to grow, for lives to be touched, and for the love of Christ to be made manifest in practical, everyday ways.
Practical Ways to Embrace Biblical Hospitality
- Dedicate a Space: If possible, set aside a room in your home that is always ready for guests. Even if space is limited, a comfortable pull-out couch or a cozy corner can serve as a welcoming area.
- Prepare Thoughtfully: Think about what would make your guests feel cared for—a clean, well-made bed, fresh towels, a small basket of toiletries, or even a welcome note. These simple touches can make a world of difference.
- Pray Over the Space: Before guests arrive, take a moment to pray over the room. Ask God to fill it with His peace and to bless those who will stay there. This transforms the space from merely a room into a place of ministry.
- Be Present: True hospitality is about more than just providing a physical space. It’s about being present with your guests—listening, sharing, and being open to what God might want to do during their stay.
In a culture that often prioritizes independence and self-sufficiency, Biblical hospitality challenges us to open our doors and our hearts to others. Having a guest room is one practical way to live out this call, creating a space where people can experience the love of Christ in a tangible way. By embracing hospitality, we not only fulfill a Biblical mandate but also participate in God’s work of blessing and transforming lives.
