The Gift of Hospitality

When I was a pastor with a Wednesday night program being offered each week, I was always  conscious of the way visitors were received and welcomed.  Even though there may be a program attached to it, the Wednesday night program is built around a fellowship meal.  However, it can become a tough place for a visitor because the regulars tend to sit at the same table with the same people week after week and newcomers can end up alone midst a crowd.   

After years and years of being absent from Wednesday night, my wife and I decided to attend and be one of those newcomers.  Though we arrived late and most folks were eating when we arrived, one guy welcomed us, showed us the way through the serving line, and later as we were eating, he showed back up at our table for some good table talk.  He was not wearing a name tag which identified him as the Wednesday night host.  He seemed more like a regular, but he brought with him to the table the gift of hospitality.  I doubt he thought of himself as practicing such a gift, but he truly was and it was a blessing.    

The Scripture talks about the way we treat the strangers in our midst.  We are to be hospitable, caring, and generous.  Our normal day affords us many opportunities to offer the gift of hospitality.  Certainly, as students gather, there will be those who stand out in their aloneness.  When we gather on Sunday for worship, there are people present who are worshiping alone.  If we are paying attention to the faces and the hearts of the people we encounter, we will see the stress and pressure of living etched upon their countenance and know that we are in the midst of a moment when we can generously offer the gift of kindness and care.  As we offer care to the strangers in any arena of our life, we are practicing this gift of hospitality and people are blessed.