Remember to show hospitality to strangers, because in doing so, some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2
As a southern girl who has a little hospitality in her bones, thanks to my mom, I can attest that I’ve always wanted to be “the house” where everyone gathers. Growing up, I had the honor and privilege of helping my mother decorate our home every holiday season, creating comforting meals, and welcoming our loved ones into our home with warm hugs and bright smiles. It was something I was looking forward to and really enjoyed. Although my precious mom is no longer here, creating a welcoming home is something that brings me so much joy as I carry on this part of her legacy.
Today I have three daughters and I try to make them understand that nature and the environment of our home can provide a pleasant space to grow spiritually and be a safe haven for others to do the same. Over time, our home has become a place that welcomes all who enter, as we truly aim to show our love and compassion. Among the many gatherings, social events and times of fellowship we have organized for our brothers and sisters, as well as for the lonely and lost, we have made our home a beacon of hope and a source of light.
My friend, it doesn’t matter where you live, how big your house is, or whether the kitchen table is strewn with crumbs. God wants us to use our homes to bless our families and strangers, so that we can reflect the love of Christ. It doesn’t take much, just a willing heart and an open mind seeking God’s wisdom on how to convey His love. So now when people walk on your “Welcome” doormat and knock on the door, you will be ready!
Entrance matters
You will be blessed when you enter and blessed when you go out. Deuteronomy 28:6
Yes, entry really matters. Not only outside, but also when people first enter your home and are also welcomed in the entryway. This space sets the tone for your humble abode, setting the “first impression,” if you will, and what others initially experience. This includes not only the aesthetic appearance of your home, but also the “feel” of it when they take in the sights, smells and sounds of your space.
You can create a warm, welcoming entryway by simply going out and experiencing it yourself. Think like a potential guest. Does your driveway, porch and door look attractive? And when you enter?
Here are some tips to help you spruce up the exterior:
1. Be sure to keep your front driveway space clear and free of clutter and debris.
2. Add a colorful or festive wreath and a welcoming doormat or signage.
3. If you have a larger porch, bring in a few items that will add a personal touch, like rocking chairs with cushions, a bench or bistro table, and chairs.
4. Shrubs, annuals or colorful flower pots also brighten up doorways and make them welcoming.
Tips for extending this warm welcome in your entryway:
1. Keep this area warm with soft lighting and pops of color.
2. Add a welcome mat so guests can wipe off their shoes or offer them a bucket or trash can if you prefer they take their shoes off.
3. Incorporate style with useful furniture that serves those who enter, such as a coat rack, small table or bench to sit on and take off shoes.
4. Bring in fresh seasonal scents with cozy candles or essential oils.
5. Appetizers provide the perfect space to show off who you are serving, making them a great place to showcase a favorite verse or scripture.
A warm welcome prolongs love
Therefore welcome one another as Christ welcomed you, for the glory of God. Romans 15:7 (ESV)
Our interactions with others when they enter our home play an important role in creating a warm, loving and welcoming home. A simple sincere smile can go a long way. When people come into your home, share your excitement about their presence, offer to take their coat or purse, and assess what they might need. If they have children with them, give verbal recognition to little ones and share safe places to play in your home. This will also allow parents to let their guard down. Make sure you acknowledge each person who walks in, so they feel seen and valued. This extra step might mean more than you think, especially for someone who may feel “hidden.”
Keep your house tidy
But everything must be done in a proper and orderly manner. 1 Corinthians 14:40
As your guests wander through your home and living spaces, keep in mind that a peaceful, loving home doesn’t have to be spotless. In fact, a well-lived home will have a few scuffs on the walls and stains on the refrigerator. But keeping your home tidy, especially in the most used areas, such as the kitchen, living room and bathrooms, creates a more peaceful atmosphere and allows you, your family and guests to relax and unwind.
Three helpful tips for keeping your home tidy:
1. Have a quick morning routine that starts with making your bed. Then, collect items around the house as you go. Return items as soon as you are finished with them.
2. Wipe down kitchen and bathroom counters daily. Deep cleaning once a week.
3. Do seasonal decluttering by throwing out old toys, expired food or medications and donating clothes in the spring and fall.
Be of service
Each of you should use the gift you have been given to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10
Service begins with a change of heart and a willingness to obey God, as He has shown us how to be a servant and love others well. It begins by positioning our hearts to serve those under our roof: our spouse, our children and our family, then extending our service to our neighbor, our community and our church, opening our eyes to see others as God does and meeting them with dignity, grace and kindness.
When we harness the spiritual gifts God has given us (Romans 12:6-8) and seek his wisdom and discernment, opportunities present themselves to use our home as a place of retreat, rejuvenation and rest.
Ways to Serve Others Well in Your Home:
1. Take on additional tasks that will help support the family.
2. Host a potluck for fun and camaraderie.
3. Offer coffee and tea while family and friends settle in.
4. Be an attentive listener and engage in conversations.
Share the Gospel
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, for it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jews, then to the Gentiles. Romans 1:16
In Jesus’ day, people often walked 15 to 20 miles a day to get where they were going. They also didn’t have comfortable shoes or a great place to walk, which left them tired and exhausted, just yearning for a place to rest their heads and support their feet. Hospitality was crucial and acts of kindness meant they were safe, cared for and even encouraged. Many of those who opened their homes also opened their hearts, exchanging stories and engaging in theological dialogue.
Having two teenagers who are constantly inviting kids over or wanting to arrange last-minute get-togethers, I learned the lesson of hospitality on a whim. I’ve also had sweet moments of unexpected discussions that open lines of communication that spark questions about faith and what it means to follow Jesus. For this reason, I always have an extra stack of Bibles on hand and invite them to know the one true God by reading His Word.
The truth is, there are many beautiful ways to share the gospel in our home and, even more so, to be blessed by these precious interactions. A simple way to do this is to pray over your home and every place where your family, friends and newcomers gather. Invite God into these spaces and ask Him to soften hearts while giving you the opportunity to plant seeds.
Other ways to share the gospel in your home:
1. Pray before meals and engage in religious conversation around the table.
2. Be vulnerable and share your own testimony.
3. Live your faith by actively demonstrating your love, serving others sincerely, speaking the truth, being authentic and sincere, and sowing generosity.
Your home is meant to be a peaceful and safe haven, but it can also be a welcoming place where others can learn and hear about Jesus. When we open our homes in this way, we meet all kinds of people at different points in their spiritual journey and can be abundantly blessed by these encounters.
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