“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it”. Hebrews 13:2

Hospitality

Hospitality goes much deeper than simply inviting our friends and families into our homes. True hospitality is to welcome those on the fringes of society, to feed them, and provide shelter and a warm atmosphere for the lonely and the homeless. It is about maintaining an attitude of openness and acceptance toward others. Henri Nouwen once said that one of the gifts we bring to the world as Christians is in, “making ourselves available to others.” What made Jesus’ life so compelling was the availability of his life. Hospitality is truly a ministry, and it is essential to the health and vitality of Christian Community. Christianity was, and still should be, that of the open door. Jesus displayed hospitality when he fed the multitudes, and it is by the caring for others that we show Christ to the world around us. Hospitality of the heart means accepting others as they are, to see them through God’s eyes. Whenever we open the doors of our hearts to the stranger in our midst there is no telling what might come of it. It is an opportunity not to be missed.

gracedeacon@gwi.net