161. Hospitality — Aneel Aranha

Hello and welcome to The Hope Podcast. I'm Aneel Aranha. Today, we will talk about the often-overlooked practice of hospitality and its impact on our faith and community.

When we think about hospitality, we usually think about entertaining guests. However, true hospitality goes beyond that. It's about creating a welcoming space where people can experience God's love and grace through our actions.

Throughout Scripture, we see hospitality as a core value. Abraham's welcome of three strangers led to a divine encounter (Genesis 18:1-15). The widow of Zarephath's hospitality to Elijah resulted in God's provision (1 Kings 17:7-16). In the New Testament, hospitality is listed as a qualification for church leadership (1 Timothy 3:2) and as a way all believers should live (Romans 12:13).

Jesus often received hospitality, turning these occasions into opportunities for teaching and transformation. Think of Zacchaeus or the meal at Mary and Martha's home. He also used the imagery of a great banquet to describe God's kingdom (Luke 14:15-24), highlighting the spiritual significance of shared meals and welcome.

Christian hospitality is radical because it extends beyond our comfort zones. It's not about impressing others with our homes or cooking, but about opening our lives to others, especially those different from us or in need.

How can we cultivate a spirit of hospitality? Start by seeing your home (or dorm room, or whatever space you have) as a gift from God to be shared. Practice openness and flexibility, ready to welcome both planned and unexpected guests.

Remember, hospitality isn't just about physical provision. It's about presence, something we spoke about a few days ago: truly listening, showing genuine interest, and creating a safe space for others to be themselves. As Peter advises, "Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling" (1 Peter 4:9).

Be intentional about including those who might often be overlooked - the lonely, the marginalized, or those different from you. This reflects God's heart for the stranger and the outcast.

Practicing hospitality can stretch us, but it also enriches us. It creates opportunities for deep connections, for sharing our faith naturally, and for experiencing the joy of being God's hands and feet in a tangible way.

As we open our homes and hearts, we might find, like the disciples on the road to Emmaus, that we're entertaining Christ himself. Your acts of hospitality, however simple, can be powerful testimonies of God's welcoming love to a world hungry for belonging.

God bless you.