A full day is coming to a close, and with all the directions my brain has gone, I would ask, Father, that You would reel it in close to You. May I clearly hear Your word. Amen.

Romans 12:13 (<<click here to read the passage)

Reading through the note on this particular verse…I had to pause. It spoke of a pretty clear black-and-white division between hospitality and entertainment, and I beg to differ!

The note states, “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, of people focuses on the guests’ needs, such as a place to stay, nourishing food, a listening ear, or just acceptance.”

I’ve spoken of the years that Karen and I were able to host an open house for our churches prior to Christmas. They were absolutely wonderful events! One year, in particular, it was standing-room only! The rooms where our guests ate and socialized were spotless. Karen put out a wonderful spread with plenty for all – it wasn’t fancy, but it was very tasty, festive, and filling. Karen was focused on everyone enjoying themselves and her love for people clearly showed.

The setting and the pieces and parts don’t necessarily determine whether it is entertainment or hospitality – I’d say it was a combination of both! Those events were looked forward to and well-spoken of by all. There was great interaction on every front that I was a part of, and I would wander from cluster to cluster, room to room, interacting with all in attendance.

Karen was exceptional at organizing a time together that, as my Life Application Study Bible defines hospitality, we were able to focus on our guests’ needs, such as a comfortable place to interact, nourishing (and yummy!) food, a listening ear, and…acceptance of one and all.

Yes, it can happen around a dinner table where the main dish is canned soup, but it can happen at a well-organized gathering, as well, when love is at the heart – and in the heart of those opening their home to loved ones. The thing is, as the Apostle Paul said,

Always be eager to practice hospitality. NLT

Or as The Message puts it,

…be inventive in hospitality.

And what started this whole train of thought?

Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them. v9 NLT

Aug 7th, 2023, Mon, 7:28 pm