Bread
Hi Ladies,
A hospitable attitude is one of the most important attributes we women can possess, before and after marriage. The Bible tells us that “practicing hospitality” (Romans 12:13) is a virtue, mandated by Jesus Christ Himself.

 

Dictionary.com defines “hospitality” as “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, speak of the need for church leaders to be hospitable. In 1 Peter 4:9 the Lord instructs us all to “Be hospitable to one another without complaint.” Hospitality, offering kind consideration to others, is a virtue that God expects of His followers.

 
As a single, you’ll probably meet people through church activities or work. Hobbies or passions that invigorate you will also bring contact with people who share your enthusiasms. As these new folks enter your life, you may begin to wonder what you’re supposed to do about them.

 
Developing friendships and spending time with people is an excellent start. Ours is an age of “virtual” contact where email, Evites, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter posts or texts substitute for actually speaking with someone. Beyond that, consider…when was the last time you actually invited anybody into your home?

 
HOSPITALITY HOW?
There is a level of hospitality that is a spiritual gift, but generally, practicing hospitality requires only a small commitment. And it makes a woman stand out as special. Making the effort to connect with people, to welcome them for dinner, to observe birthdays, or special events in their lives matters. Don’t just sit still and wait for someone else to do it. Instead it’s an opportunity to give to another.

 
Every gesture of hospitality needn’t be a big one… bringing a plate of special goodies to your co-workers is a gesture that will be truly appreciated, especially by the men. And taking time to send a card or flowers to someone experiencing a painful time not only tells them you’re thinking of them, it displays God’s caring.

 
If you’ve never done so or haven’t for a while, consider hosting a simple get-together. You’ll be surprised to learn how many people are seeking a weekend activity or an invitation for the holidays. Don’t always be a guest, or delay learning to be a good hostess until you become a wife. If you don’t want to go it alone, enlist a friend to share resources and co-host a Sunday brunch, patio cookout, or weekly home Bible study or book group. There are many options that will be simple to arrange with your existing friends, which can also turn acquaintances into new friends.

 
Your church will appreciate your hospitality skills too, if you’d rather not entertain at home. Most will welcome greeters, committee members, or volunteers of all sorts. They’ll offer ample opportunities to put hospitable inclinations to good use.

 
Why should you make this effort? Because “breaking bread” with people is one of the best ways to enjoy them, and Scripture endorses it. Acts 2:42 recounts of Christ’s followers that “They were continually devoting themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread, and to prayer.”

 
The Last Supper was testimony of the bond of friendship between Jesus and His disciples. He demonstrated hospitality not only by attending the wedding in Canaan, but by changing the water there into the finest wine. And He accepted hospitality by dining with Zacchaeus, and in the homes of “tax collectors and sinners”  (Matthew 9:10, 11; Mark 2:15, 16). Barriers between our Lord and the people He came to reach were broken when He enjoyed their hospitable welcomes. Following Christ’s example, we’ll also find that walls begin to crumble between us and others when we invite them to experience our God-given hospitality.

 
This type of sharing is an effective outlet for anyone feeling limited by Father’s cautions to wait patiently in the spousal arena. And who knows…your mate may be there among the guests who’re blessed and impacted by your kindness and hospitableness. Friendships are essential for enjoying a full and joyful life – encourage them by extending your Holy Spirit-led acts of hospitality.

 
Until next week…Joy and Shalom!

Jo Lynne Pool