“But whoso hath this world’s good, and seeth his brother have need,
and shutteth up his bowels of compassion from him,
how dwelleth the love of God in him?” I John 3:17
It does our hearts good to be treated like guests every now and then. There’s something special about being welcomed into someone’s space with a kind smile, tasty meal, comfy room, clean towels, mints or a hot cup of tea or coffee. Ever wonder why we treat our families differently and speak kinder, clean deeper, cook better and make more effort for visitors? What would happen if we treated the loved-ones in our homes like guests?
We usually treat others better than our families because it’s easier. We don’t know them as well. They come and go and are more mannerly, respectful and less irritating. We aren’t tired of picking up after them, listening to them or laughing at their jokes.
We say we love our families more than others while our actions and priorities show a different reality. Sadly, those closest to us are often taken for granted.
Make Them Feel Welcomed
We should all feel equally invited and welcomed in our homes. Invitations indicate planning and preparing. Good hosts stop what they’re doing, meet needs and spend time with their visitors. They take time to entertain, provide comfort and share their attention.
I’ve never had to knock to enter my parent’s home. I do it out of respect for their privacy. But I’m always welcome to drop in, help myself to the fridge, and plop down on a favorite chair.
One thing I’m missing about my Mom is her pausing her favorite TV show or laying down her book, asking if I want a cup of tea and visiting attentively with me. She made each visit feel like an important part of her day.
When my husband and I were traveling in ministry, we were often invited into people’s homes. Many welcomed us and graciously said, “Make yourselves at home. We want you to feel like family.” That sounded kind and inclusive, but one day, I gave that invitation more consideration. I thought about how families (including mine) actually act at home and treat each other. So, the next time our host made that offer, I grinned and said, “That’s okay. We’d rather be treated like guests.”
Make Them Feel Special
Home should be the safest, sweetest, and most supportive place we go. It should be where we:
- can be ourselves
- feel loved
- get encouragement
- know we belong
In Luke 10: 38-42, Mary and Martha show us two examples of how guests get treated. Jesus was a close friend of their family and was well known and loved. When He came to visit, Mary treated Him like a guest. She stopped to listen and focus on Him. Martha kept working and spoke to Him like family when she asked Him to make Mary come help her. He corrected her and said, “Mary hath chosen the good part…” Both of them treated Him like someone they knew but in different ways.
How do we treat the people we know—like guests or family members? Most people like to feel special, loved and cared for. Giving our family the same attention and graciousness as guests could turn our homes into lovely and loving retreats.
“Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another.” I John 4:11
Bring It Home
Is your home a welcoming place for your family?
Praying for you as we grow together,
Smiles, BRC
This was a great article. I really open up my home when family comes in from Georgia, I prepare a meal make them fee at home and truly enjoy the time they are here visiting with me. I guess I’m just like my mother she didn’t care who came in town she always made them feel welcome in her home. I guess I’m like my momma. Love accepting the home makers role….
That is so great Bonnie Ann! Your family is blessed to receive such welcoming hospitality. You sound like a happy homemaker. Your Momma taught you well.
Thanks for reading and sharing.
Smiles, BRC