How can we practice being "hospitable" in our daily interactions with others? Hospitality: A Daily Calling, Not an Occasional Event Titus 1:8 says an overseer “must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.” If the church’s leaders must live this way, every follower of Christ should gladly imitate the pattern. The Biblical Heartbeat Behind Hospitality • “Philoxenos” literally means “lover of strangers.” • Hebrews 13:2: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some have entertained angels without knowing it.” • Matthew 25:35: “I was a stranger and you welcomed Me.” Welcoming others is welcoming Christ. • Abraham’s open tent (Genesis 18:1-8) and the Good Samaritan’s open purse (Luke 10:30-37) show that God’s people make room for needs they did not schedule. Where It Starts: A Ready Heart Hospitality is less about square footage and more about spiritual posture. Ask: • Am I interruptible? • Do I see people as divine appointments? • Will I give what I have, even when it’s small (John 6:9)? Practical Ways to Practice Hospitality Today Home • Keep a “drop-in” mindset—simple meals, coffee, leftovers, or just a clean table. • Offer a spare room, a couch, or even floor space when someone is displaced. Church • Arrive early to greet, guide newcomers to seats, introduce them to friends. • Sit with someone who looks alone; share lunch after the service. Work & School • Invite a coworker to join you for lunch. • Keep snacks or coffee pods on hand for others. Neighborhood & Community • Learn names; use them. Wave first. • Lend tools, share garden produce, help carry groceries. • Create a front-yard culture—chairs in the driveway, conversation over the fence. On the Go • Give up the better parking spot. • Offer your seat on public transit. • Carry an extra umbrella or phone charger to loan. Online • Welcome newcomers in group chats. • Speak encouragement, share Scripture, avoid sarcastic put-downs. Key Attitudes That Sustain Hospitality • Joyful readiness—1 Peter 4:9: “Offer hospitality to one another without complaining.” • Generous faith—Romans 12:13: “Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality.” • Disciplined margin—Self-control frees time, money, and energy so we can give when needs arise. Fruit That Multiplies When believers open doors and hearts, strangers become friends, friends meet Jesus, and the church mirrors the welcoming heart of God. Titus 2:10 calls this “adorn[ing] the doctrine of God our Savior in every way.” Practiced daily, hospitality turns ordinary moments into eternal testimonies. |
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