Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2 NIV
Where has the art of hospitality gone? In our life of crowded calendars, distractions, and adrenaline rushes there are plenty of barriers to hospitality. Here are twelve reasons I have either used myself or have heard others use to avoid offering hospitality:
1. I don’t have the space
2. My house is messy and I’m embarrased
3. My kids are little and would stress out the guests
4. I’m too busy
5. Possible guests are too busy
6. Our schedules don’t coincide
7. I don’t have enough money (to buy food)
8. My family doesn’t want me to
9. I don’t cook
10. I don’t want my house to get messy
11. I don’t want strangers in my house. Can I trust them?
12. My family is going through a rough patch right now. (health, marriage, kids)
Some barriers to hospitality are valid. Like the seasons in our life where the only “come over to my house” hospitality offered is to our spouse and children. For whatever reason we need to circle the wagons, so to speak. That is okay.
Some of us don’t have the Gift of Hospitality and for the most part, “come over to my house” is only reserved for those closest to us. That is okay, too.
However, God calls all of us at one time or another to welcome others with the heart of hospitality. Having a welcoming heart is one of the easiest ways to reach people with the love of God. It’s a good thing that true hospitality is a heart condition, not a house condition and does not always have to be a “come over to my house” invitation.
Some of the barriers above just need extra effort to get past. Others can be resolved with some creativity. Most of them require a willingness to get outside our comfort zone—letting something go to make room for others in our life.
Through this series, I’ll share some creative solutions to these common barriers, but for now, here are some general guidelines to help you make it work:
· Keep hospitality simple
· Don’t compare! (Don’t buy that book/magazine/ remember it doesn’t have to be like Martha Stuart or a B&B)
· Be Creative and think outside of the box (or the house if you will).
· Invest YOU in people’s lives.
· Don’t be too hard on yourself: There are seasons when it simply doesn’t work
What excuses or have you used to avoid hospitality?
Or what seasons of life have kept you from it?
