Hi Ladies,
One of the most important attributes you can possess in the marriage arena is the Gift of Hospitality. God directs that we be “given to hospitality” (Romans 12: 13) as Believers. As a single Christian woman, you will probably meet people at either church, at church-related activities, or at work. If there are extra-curricular hobbies or passions that you participate in as well, you’ll likely come into contact with newcomers from those sources. You may start to wonder what you’re supposed to do with them all.
This might not be a surprise to you, but Hospitality is a gift from God. According to dictionary.com, it means “the quality or disposition of receiving and treating guests or strangers in a warm, friendly, generous way.” 1 Timothy 3: 2 and Titus 1: 8, state that a bishop or deacon of the church is required to be “hospitable.” In 1 Peter 4: 9 we read that we should be “hospitable to one another without grumbling”. Being pleasant, kind, considerate and hospitable are Christian virtues.
So how can you do it? Spending time with people is an excellent start. We live in an age of “virtual” contact where an email, an Evite, a Facebook post or a text serve as substitutes for actually speaking to someone either in person or by phone. But when is the last time you invited anyone into your home?
Hospitality means making an effort to connect with people, to invite them for dinner, keep abreast of their birthdays, or the need for a wedding or baby shower. Bringing a platter of your special cookies or a loaf of freshly baked goodies to your co-workers is a gesture which will be truly appreciated, especially by the men. Taking time to find and send the right greeting card or special gift to someone who is going through a painful time not only lets them know you’re thinking of them, it also displays God’s caring.
If you’ve never done so or haven’t for a long while, investigate the logistics of hosting a simple get-together and give one. You’ll be surprised to learn how many people are seeking a weekend activity or a place to go for the holidays. Don’t set yourself up to always be a guest, or put your role as hostess on hold until you become a wife. If you don’t want to do it alone, enlist a friend to share resources and co-host a gathering in your abode for any reason you choose. Consider a regular Bible study, a Sunday brunch after church, or a patio barbecue. You’ll find plenty of ideas if you look for them.
If you don’t feel motivated to entertain in your home, your church can supply a highly appreciative application of your hospitality skills. Almost all need ushers, welcoming committees and volunteers to visit the sick and shut-ins. Most offer bereavement committees to cook and minister to families at funerals, or coordinators to oversee weddings at the church. There are a number of opportunities available for you to put your hospitable inclinations to good Godly use, if you seek them out.
Why should you bother? Because the practice of hospitality is a natural extension of The LORD’s ordained friendliness. You’ll find that “breaking bread” with people is one of the best ways to enjoy them. The Bible endorses it. Among other things, The Last Supper was a confirmation of the bond of friendship between Jesus and His disciples. Jesus also demonstrated hospitality when He changed the water into wine at the wedding in Canaan, and He accepted hospitality by dining at the house of Zacchaeus, or to the homes of various “publicans and sinners”.
The barriers of understanding between Our LORD and others were broken when He supped with them and partook of their hospitality. In like manner, you too will find barriers crumbling when you offer people the opportunity to enjoy your God-given hospitality. And your mate may well be among those folks…my friend’s future husband was brought along by a guest to her Super Bowl party.
Friendships are important in your life – encourage them through Hospitality. Joy and Shalom!
jo lynne pool - Love in The Book.org 