One of the things that we Southerners pride ourselves in is hospitality. I still remember not long after moving to Mississippi, I was out house hunting and was going to see a for-sale-buy-owner house over in Bailey. They were friends of a church member. And not only did they show me their house, they insisted that I stay for supper. It was lasagna, which is one of my favorites. I was blown away.

Where does that sort of thing come from? How did that culture develop? I have to believe that it comes from the biblical worldview that permeated our society for so many years. You see, in Romans 12:13, the Holy Spirit tells us through Apostle Paul to seek to show hospitality. As Christians, we should be hospitable. In fact, it’s so important that God made it one of the qualifications for pastors and deacons.

But what is biblical hospitality? Is it entertaining people? Is it showcasing that you are the hostest with the mostest? Is it like being part of the better homes and garden club, oohing and aahing over how beautiful the landscaping is?

As one author put it, “…showing hospitality is not about showcasing that you are the perfect host, it’s about showing grace and love to the one whom you’ve extended an invitation. It’s about meeting a need that they have.
Present over perfect. That is the key to meaningful hospitality.”

There you have it. Hospitality is simply showing grace and love to meet a need that people have. It can include giving stuff or sharing stuff, but ultimately it’s about giving yourself. It’s an expression of love that glorifies.

Beloved, like the Good Book says, seek to be hospitable. May your life and your possessions be an expression of love.

Change begins in you!