Unreasonable Hospitality: How to Transform Lives Through Simple Acts of Kindness
You might wonder why hospitality is such a big deal in the church. Ever walked into a place and felt completely ignored? It’s not a great feeling, right? Imagine if that place was a church. Today, we’re diving into the heart of what it means to be unreasonably hospitable and why it’s crucial for our faith and community.
The Power of Being Present
Have you ever felt unwelcome somewhere? Maybe it was a party, a classroom, or even a church. My wife and I recently experienced this firsthand. We visited a church in Nashville that looked vibrant online, but from the parking lot to our seats, not a single person acknowledged us. No smiles, no greetings, nothing. It was so bad that it affected our ability to worship. This experience made me realize how vital it is for us to be present and welcoming in our own church.
Why does this matter? Because showing up and being present is the first step in creating a hospitable environment. Hebrews 10:24-25 tells us, "Let us think of ways to motivate one another to acts of love and good works. And let us not neglect our meeting together, as some people do, but encourage one another." Being present isn’t just about filling a seat; it’s about being there for each other and for those who are new to our community.
The Importance of Being Early
Being late is more than just a bad habit; it’s a hospitality issue. When we show up late, we leave our guests standing outside the party, waiting for us. Hebrews 13:1-2 reminds us, "Let brotherly love continue. Don’t neglect to show hospitality, for by doing this, some have welcomed angels as guests without knowing it." Being early shows that we are ready and excited to welcome new people into our community.
Why should you care? Because your presence and punctuality can make or break someone’s first impression of our church. Imagine someone deciding to give church another shot after years away, only to find an empty parking lot and a half-empty auditorium. Being early shows that we value their effort and are ready to welcome them with open arms.
Action Steps to Unreasonable Hospitality
Be Present: Make it a priority to attend church regularly. Aim for at least three times a month. Your consistent presence can make a huge difference.
Be Early: Arrive at least 15 minutes before the service starts. This gives you time to greet newcomers and make them feel welcome.
Engage with Newcomers: Don’t just stick to your usual group. Move towards people you don’t know, sit with them, and even invite them out for lunch after the service.
Create a Welcoming Environment: Whether it’s a smile, a handshake, or a simple “hello,” small acts of kindness go a long way in making someone feel at home.
Conclusion
The point is that Jesus wants us to be a community that reflects His love through our actions. What will you do this week to show unreasonable hospitality? Will you commit to being present and early? Will you go out of your way to make someone feel welcome?
If you don’t, you won’t receive the full blessing of being part of a vibrant, life-giving community. So, I’m asking you to take this step. Be present, be early, and be engaging. Your actions could change someone’s life forever.
Prayer
Father, we thank You for the gift of community and the opportunity to show Your love through our actions. Help us to be present, early, and engaging so that we can create a welcoming environment for everyone who walks through our doors. May our hospitality reflect Your love and draw people closer to You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.