Thursday Devotion

by Rhoda Barnhart

Theme: Hospitality vs. Entertainment

*Romans12: 3 “Share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

Thinking back to my early years in school I recall how each fall Mother would invite the teachers we 3 kids had that year for dinner. Sometimes they were local folks we’d known for years—others were new. She also invited the pastor and his family at another time. I asked my brothers if they remembered. Brad wrote “Yes, Mother did invite Teachers & Preachers in for dinner. It was at the dining room table, leaves added. The good china and real silverware was always used.”  I smiled to read his next line “After the meal, we got to use the Living Room!!!”

Brother Roger only remembered hosting the Pastor’s family saying “Seems as tho’ the dining room table was decked out pretty well for those occasions.”

What caused my recollection of my birth family’s entertaining/hospitality? It was the commentary on Romans 12:13.

“Christian hospitality differs from social entertaining. Entertaining focuses on the host—the home must be spotless; the food must be well prepared and abundant, the host must appear relaxed and good-natured.   Hospitality, by contrast, focuses on the guests. Their needs—whether for  a place to stay, nourishing food, a listening ear, or acceptance—are the primary concern. Hospitality can happen in a messy home. It can happen around a dinner table where the main dish is canned soup. It can even happen while the host and the guest are doing chores together. Don’t hesitate to offer hospitality just because you are too tired, too busy, or not wealthy enough to entertain.”

In reading the above I was intrigued by the contrast between Christian hospitality and social entertaining.

I looked for Bible passages about hospitality, In Genesis 18: 2-5, we read “Abraham looked up and saw 3 men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried… to meet them…”Let a little water be brought, and then you all may wash your feet and rest under this tree. Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way…”

Remember the sisters Mary & Martha, and brother Lazarus? Historically, in their culture, hospitality was a social requirement. It was considered shameful to turn anyone away from your door.  In Luke 10: 38-42  we read: “As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to the village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!”

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but only one thing is needed. Mary has chosen what is better and it will not be taken away from her.”

After pondering the distinction between hospitality & entertaining mentioned earlier I’ve decided that in many cases the lines are blurry. For example, Martha graciously opened her home to Jesus–but later complained to Him about all the work she was left to do while Mary sat– listening to Him. In my youth, when 12 men on the threshing crew, seated at our dining room table were served, it wasn’t on the “good china.” It could be called hospitality. Even then, though, I think the focus was more on abundant & delicious food, than on those being fed. When Mother served invited guests on the “good china,” it seems to me that was “hospitality,” where abundant conversation led to a time of warm fellowship.

“Christian hospitality” can be more than shared food. As mentioned earlier– the focus is on the guests. Their needs—whether for a place to stay, nourishing food, a listening ear, or acceptance—are the primary concern.

Recently I had a chance to host visitors in the area– for a meal—nothing fancy—but a chance to get acquainted and become friends. It was most enjoyable. I echo the Study Guide: “Don’t hesitate to offer hospitality just because you are too tired, too busy…”   Respond when God nudges you; it’s rewarding.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please help me recognize opportunities to offer hospitality for those who may be in need. Amen.

*Scripture passages are from The Life Application Bible, New International Version.