Cultivating Holiness in Our Hospitality

Examining Scripture:

“I beseech you therefore, brethren,
by the mercies of God,
that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice,
holy, acceptable unto God,
which is your reasonable service.”
Romans 12:1

Evaluating Soil:

Another season of festive hospitality is packed away with the Christmas lights and décor. The holidays are over and the New Year is underway. The freshness of empty space appears, like soil prepared for planting, and brings a welcomed air of calmness that encourages normal routines, personal growth, and goals of fruitfulness.

Replacing festivities and indulgences with balanced and healthier habits is rejuvenating. After the seasonal busyness, it’s natural to want to retreat to our own gardens, tune others out, and refocus on our personal plans and responsibilities.

However, we can’t pack up our spirit of hospitality just yet. There are still others who need Christ, companionship, comfort, and compassion, even on the mundane days.

While sharing food, fun, and fellowship is enjoyable, those aren’t the main purposes for a hospitable spirit. Hospitality is to be extended in every season, so that others can know our Holy Creator too. As we regroup and consider the holiness in our hearts and homes, let’s also look at cultivating holiness in our hospitality.

Experiencing Seasons:

Getting people together can be plain old work. Besides the preparation, we have to consider our guests and accommodate various personalities, preferences, and relationships. This can try our faith and bring out the ungodly Grinch on occasion.

At times, my holiness has sure gotten lost in the hustle and bustle of hospitality. When I get too focused or frustrated with preparing food or planning the festivities, I forget the purpose for bringing people together.

Embracing Solace:

Allowing others into our personal spaces can seem intrusive and uncomfortable for many. However, there is a sweet solace in hosting with a holy purpose and understanding that there are many ways to be hospitable that will fit our various abilities and seasons of life.

Enjoying Simplicity:

Simplicity comes with living holy lives. We realize that we don’t have to overextend ourselves or impress our guests. Hosting can be kept simple because the spirit of hospitality makes the difference.

When we remember that our purpose is to reach others, that “why” takes priority over the where, when, and how. Sharing our hearts, homes, and holiness with others is one way to present our bodies as living sacrifices that are holy and acceptable unto God.

Employing Solutions:

Why is it important to cultivate holiness in hospitality? As Christians, we should never promote or participate in behaviors or activities that cause us to lose our testimony or discredit God.

While it’s important to be gracious and hospitable, we shouldn’t lower our standards to accommodate our guests. We can incorporate holiness in kind ways by:

• Hosting events in our home or in a neutral place
• Remain true to Biblical standards
• Make guests feel welcomed, included, and appreciated
• Watch for opportunities to share the love of Christ
• Be gracious in communications
• Don’t instigate or allow disrespect or drama
• Redirect negative conversations with peaceful tones

Our guests will value how we treat them, and what they experience, more than they’ll remember the timely and costly efforts made beautifying our homes or preparing wonderful meals.

When we let holiness change us, our purity, morality, and consecrated lives can have a spiritual impact on others for God. That’s the greatest motive and motivation for showing hospitality.

Bring It Home

Will you join me in cultivating holiness in our hospitality?

Praying for you as we grow together,
Smiles, BRC