Examining God’s Word
“Use hospitality one to another without grudging.”
1 Peter 4:9
Evaluating Our Garden
Let’s face it. We aren’t always in the mood to be hospitable. While we may put on a happy face to attend an event, or go all out on details to prepare for our guests and try to make them feel welcome, we can still do it grudgingly. When relationships are conflicted and contentious, we can often find ourselves performing our hospitality tasks with a less than hospitable spirit.
When we feel offended, betrayed, or disrespected, the last thing we want to do is show hospitality. However, we often don’t have a choice of how, when, and who we have to spend time serving. As hard as that is, God says not to do it grudgingly.
Experiencing Seasons
I’m saddened to think about how many times I’ve hosted or helped others host an event or special occasion with a rotten attitude in my heart. It usually happens when I see the time spent as an unwanted obligation, instead of a wonderful opportunity.
I have often begrudged having to do what I don’t want to do, with someone I’d rather avoid. Especially, when others have pawned-off their procrastinated responsibilities on me, treated me unfairly, or are ungrateful for the time and efforts spent.
Once, I served at a large event with a miserable chip on my shoulders. I resented being there and wanted to excuse myself. The atmosphere was tense and I knew what was happening behind the scenes. I felt less than hospitable and served grudgingly while counting down the hours until the event was over.
Sadly, my hospitable effort was wasted. I wasn’t pleasing God or the people I served. My attitude undermined the purpose for serving.
Embracing Solace
It’s uncomfortable to host with a bad attitude or to be served by a grudging host. No doubt, hospitality is hindered and the opportunity is not time well-spent.
Enjoying Simplicity
The hours spent planning, preparing, and hosting an event is taxing enough without the added complication of a resentful attitude and grudging spirit.
That drains the enjoyment out of any event or activity.
Employing Solutions
Let’s look at what it means to be hospitable without grudging. The Greek defines it in the Strong’s Exhaustive Concordance this way:
Hospitality – Greek #5382 – philoxenos
…fond of guests, that is, hospitable: –
Grudging – Greek #1112 – goggusmos
…a grumbling: –
When we host others we have to be somewhat fond of our guests and serve them without grumbling. To be truly hospitable, we have to receive, entertain, and treat them with kindness.
However, it can be difficult not to grumble if we’re holding unaddressed grudges about hosting or against those we’re serving. People can tell when we’re resentful of our hosting responsibilities and they know if we’re not fond of them.
God doesn’t want us to be hospitable with a bad attitude. Our “spirit of hospitality” should start in our hearts way before we engage our hands. Here are some ways to know if we have a sincere “spirit of hospitality.”
- Check heart before hosting
- Clear heart of grudges
- Clear the air with invited guests
- Commit to serving in the right spirit
- Cancel hosting if mindset is wrong
Hospitality should be good for the host and guests. When we spend time serving others without grudging, we might find ourselves serving with gladness.
Bring It Home
Have you ever grudgingly shown hospitality?
How did you feel during and after the event?
Praying for you as we grow together,
Smiles, BRC
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