Hospitality

I am part of a wonderful fellowship group that meets every other Friday at my home. We always have dinner together followed by Bible study. Usually, I do the cooking for the group that averages 10 adults and a few children. Unless it's been a really busy week, I look forward to making supper. I've always felt a special pleasure from creating an environment where people can talk and ministry can take place. I think this is what the Bible calls hospitality. But it's been only recently that I've come to realize that hospitality is more than just a nice thing. It is something commanded in the Bible, and is vital for attracting friends old and new to Christ and caring for them.

Hospitality fosters spiritual growth - my own and my friends'. It is a meal that is being prepared, not just the feeding of some guests. Regardless of how simple the meal, I've come to realize that it can be a communion with God through his created elements (the food). Someone has said that this is why we say grace before we eat. The detail and creativity that goes into chopping, blending, braising, and tasting of meats, vegetables, sauces and sweets is in itself a celebration of the richness of God's creation. "Everything that lives and moves will be food for you" (Genesis 9:3). A meal nourishes not just the body, but also the soul because it is celebrating together all that it means to be a human being made in the image of God. As I prepare I am loving my friends. We don't just eat, but we love God with all our heart, soul, mind and strength by sharing a meal.

The biblical enjoinder to "practice hospitality" (Romans 12:13) is a forgotten command. However, I've found that preparing a meal, creating an environment for conversation both light and deep, and opening my family's home life to others brings a true return of joy. When I feel that I don't want to do it, I remind myself that the sense of work in it is always transformed to transcendent fellowship around the table - and at that moment, I look forward to doing it again. You have to see us there! Our times together are marked by rip-roaring laughter one second, and tender encouragement the next. And there's always dessert after the Bible study.

There are a number of individuals and families I know of who regularly practice hospitality. Perhaps this is why members of our faith community perennially say that the one thing they most appreciate about our church is their fellowship/small group. Hospitality is a spiritual gift that really makes a difference in our community life. I get a lot more out of gathering in a loving home than in the standard church classroom.

Just one more thought on the gift of hospitality. Like any other gift, it is of the Spirit, so there is no need to worry about setting up the right conditions for its use. My house and life does not need to be 100% neat and in order for hospitality to be exercised. Trying to look perfect is missing the point. I love this beautiful picture from Psalm 23: "You prepare a table before me." God is the Source of hospitality. He creates a place for us always - no matter what is going on or who is around ("in the presence of my enemies"). Hospitality is a gift that's always appropriate.

So, when are you coming for dinner?