Be Hospitable Everywhere You Go
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” - Romans 12:13
When I think of the word hospitality, what comes to mind is usually a picture of hosting dinner around my table. I love doing that and having people in our home whether it’s for a quick visit or for an extended stay. It means a lot to me to be able to bless others with what I’ve been given and my home is one of the easiest and most tangible ways for me to practice this, but lately I’ve been realizing there are many ways to be hospitable to others wherever we go.
Romans 12:13 tells us to share with those who are in need and practice hospitality. Whether you feel like you can have people over or not, the point is to practice. Starting small is perfect! Here are three simple ways to practice hospitality in your everyday life:
- Pack Extra. No matter what your age or stage of life, there is always someone around you who needs something. If you’re still in school, consider keeping extra pencils or pens with you so you can always help those in your class who forget. If it’s a rainy day, keep an extra poncho or cheap umbrella in your car or backpack to give away to someone who doesn’t have one. If you’re a young mom, pack extra snacks for the park to give away if you see a mom who forgot or doesn’t have any. Another easy thing is to keep an extra box of granola bars or peanut butter crackers in the car to give to people asking for help on the side of the road. Thinking ahead and packing a little extra is a beautiful way to tangibly care for others and show them they are seen, cared for, and loved by God.
- Bless Someone Around You. Have you ever been in line at Starbucks or a drive thru and had the person ahead of you pay for your purchase? If you haven’t, it’s such a gift! Next time you’re out getting food, take a minute to bless someone around you, whether it’s paying for the car behind you, the booth next to you, or generously tipping your wait staff. Other ways to bless someone? Help someone carry their groceries to their car, reach something on a shelf at the store, or simply stop someone and tell them that God loves them and to have a great day!
- Give Away Your Stuff. God has blessed us with so much, and one great way to practice hospitality is to be generous with our things. When you clean out your closet, find a friend or a local charity that could benefit from the clothes, toys, and books you no longer use. Too many coats, blankets, or winter items in your house? Keep them in your car to give to people as the need arises.
There are so many ways we can love and bless others and grow to become a welcoming, encouraging place for others to encounter the love of God. As you try out your own hospitality and bless those around you, send us an email and let us know what you did and how it went!