The Gift of Hospitality

When we first started attending the church we go to now, our daughter Sydney was 2-1/2 years old (She now has a 3-month-old daughter!). We were nervous because although she had been in worship since she was born, kids that age can wiggle and are not prone to being quiet. After what seemed like a nerve-wracking service trying to keep her quiet had ended, an elderly gentleman sitting behind us introduced himself and said “I just love hearing young ones in worship. It makes it seem alive.” He was probably just making conversation, but to us, he had extended the true gift of hospitality.
Listen to this description of the gift of hospitality: “[It] provides a person with the ability to create a welcoming environment for anyone willing to accept. An individual with this gift must be willing to welcome everyone, no matter how far they push, with open arms. To grow a person with the gift of hospitality must challenge themselves and offer their hand to the most difficult people and never turn away.” (Spiritualgiftstest.com)
We recognize hospitality when we receive it because we can also feel it. It may make us think “I wish I had thought to do that.” We recognize hospitality when we give it because we are reaching out beyond ourselves and feel the hand of God leading us in it.

For those of us who do not have the spiritual gift of hospitality, we are still called to exercise this gift with the possibility of gaining skills in this area. So here are four ideas to ease into welcoming others while using some of your God given spiritual gifts:

1. Let Them Eat Cake

This pandemic has brought out the baking skills of a lot of people. I’ve never heard of so many people baking sourdough bread. So use this time to bake or cook something for someone as a thank you or just an “I’m thinking about you” treat. Think bread, cake, cookies, or jam. This has the added benefit of the element of creativity for you if cooking is a passion.

2. Do It the Old-Fashioned Way

With so many people being sick of being on the computer to have meetings, see family, and touch base with people, I have heard of a surge in letter writing. Take the time to send an actual note or card to someone through the postal system. You may even want to buy a box of cards and put together a folder with pocket separators (one for each month) and slip in birthday and anniversary cards for a particular month so you can remember when to send your cards. Since we can’t be face to face with that person, take care to let them know how you genuinely feel and not just sign your name.

3. Give Blessing Bags

Sacred Sparks Ministry started by Lisa Cookout of Nashville has been making Blessing Bags for those experiencing homelessness for many years now. Make some for yourself and keep them in your car so you can give them away as you see people on the street who are hungry. The bags can include: bottled water, snack crackers, granola/cereal bars, fruit cups, canned meats/beans/pasta, gums/mints/candies (not chocolate), juice boxes, wet wipes, Kleenex, Chapstick, small puzzle books, pens, band-aids. You can also go to their website for more information: https://sacredsparksministry.wordpress.com/in-kind-donations/

4. Be Your Guest

Offer the gift of hospitality to those who come to stay in your home whether it is family or a missionary family, or friends or a friend of a friend. Prepare a small bag or basket that includes things they may have forgotten to bring like a toothbrush and paste, a makeup remover wipe, shampoo/conditioner in travel sizes, Kleenex, band-aids, and small candies, a modest snack, or anything you think you might appreciate at someone else’s home.