The Gift of Hospitality

Tuesday, April 17, 2018

Sometimes when we think of Spiritual Gifts we think of Sunday School teachers and church pastors. If they are effective in their positions, then they most likely have the gift of teaching or exhortation. But regular, ordinary, behind-the-scenes people can be gifted with spiritual abilities as well.

At our Single Moms Oil Change, we have ladies assigned to sit with the Moms and to chat with them as they wait for their car to be serviced. They spend some quality time with the Moms and help them feel welcome. Without them the day would be pretty boring. With them, the Moms come away feeling nurtured and loved. This is hospitality.

Whenever we have a death in our church, we like to serve a meal to the family as a way of showing our respect and love for them and their loved one. There is a team of women who take this on as their labor of love. They organize people to bring dishes and they put together wonderful dinners. As a result, the bereaved family does not have to think about cooking and can visit with each other in a relaxed and quiet environment. This is hospitality.

Have you visited a church and were greeted at the door with a warm handshake and a smile? That is hospitality. 

Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, use it to serve one another, as good stewards of God's varied grace:
I Peter 4:9-10

Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Hebrews 13:2

We can all be hospitable toward each other -- some of us find that more easy to do than others. But only certain people are gifted with hospitality. It is their method for ministering to believers and unbelievers. It is their way to bring glory to the Lord.