The Lost Art of Hospitality

Somewhere along the line, we as Americans have lost the art of hospitality. Do you even know what hospitality means?

DEFINITIONS

• cordial reception: kindness in welcoming guests or strangers
• refers to the relationship process between a guest and a host
• The act or service of welcoming, receiving, hosting, or entertaining guests
• When hospitality is offered to a gathering of Bahá'ís, the home becomes a "congress of the spirit"

I have a hard time starting conversations with new people. I've learned that food is a great introductory tool. Managed to meet my neighbors because who's gonna close the door on the nice lady with the baked goods in her hand. (Note to self: if they do, those are the neighbors to avoid and kill them with kindness).

Hospitality doesn't necessarily have to be in your home, but a gift of thoughtfulness/kindness. One of the greatest kindnesses I've received was meals brought to our home after the birth of my boys and after an illness. The relief of not having to cook, think what to cook, and clean up everything that it took to cook. That was kindness.

Who can you be hospitable to? Neighbor? Family? Friends? Elderly widow? New Mom? Teacher? Pastor? etc. Step out and do it. Think about what your neighborhood would be like if there was more entertaining, hospitality, and acts of kindness. Food would never taste better and friendships would never be sweeter.

Romans 12:13 - Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
I Peter 4:9 Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.