Hospitality is “the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers.” How is hospitality a healthful endeavor?  In order to be truly healthy, we need to realize that we cannot exist alone or be self-sufficient. Our health comes from God and dependence on Him. To be healthy, a woman acknowledges her need for community and relationships, and then attempt to create a home with hospitable characteristics.

Personal Story

My growing-up family was hospitable. We often had family friends over to share a meal, visit, and play cards or board games on weekend evenings. We were farmers. I remember the extra help dad hired to get the crops in coming into our house, washing up, and sitting down to eat at our table. Even random, I thought, salesmen were offered a cup of coffee and a chance to sit down and talk with my parents.

My husband and I have continued the practice of hospitality and have had multitudes of people over for popcorn and game nights, meals, and overnight stays. We value getting to know people. Having people in our home gives us that opportunity to get personally acquainted.

Community

Can we exist alone or be self-sufficient?

• We cannot exist alone or be self-sufficient.
• We were created to dwell in community with people because we are created in God’s image.
• We need relationships.
• We need to love others, laugh together, and to share the burdens of life with them.

Relationships Bring Health

Where does health come from?

• Health comes from God. It involves a person’s body and spirit.
• When a person wants to be truly healthy, they want to bring God glory with their life.
• Listening to God’s voice and receiving direction through His Word and His Spirit.
• Communing with God, praising Him and praying to Him.
• Preparing nutritious food to eat and taking needed supplements.
• Having good relationships with God, spouse, children, family, and friends.

Characteristics of a Hospitable Home

What are some primary characteristics of the hospitable home?

• Sharing ourselves with others is the primary goal of being hospitable.
• Planning to make guests feel welcome and avoiding any foods in our menu to which they may be allergic, or dislike shows consideration and love.
• Preparing our homes to receive our new or old friends involves de-cluttering, tidying up, cleaning, and decorating simply and tastefully.
• Our goal is not to impress people, but to create a relaxing atmosphere which encourages good conversation.
• Other entertainment can also be planned as well.
• Over time, it is good to invite guests of different kinds, including old friends, new friends, singles, young families, widows, the “unloved”, neighbors, and any others God brings to us to minister to.
• We need to develop deeper friendships with some as well.

Action

The holidays are a wonderful time to enjoy hospitality with others in our community. Invite someone over today!

May God bless your healthful endeavors!

Joni

P.S. How do you practice hospitality?

Resources:

https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/hospitality