Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers. By doing so, some of us may be showing hospitality to angels without even realizing it. Hebrews 13:2
As a Southern girl with a little bit of hospitality deep down in my heart, thanks to my mom, I can definitely say that I always wanted to be a “home” where everyone could gather. As a child, I had the honor of helping my mother decorate the house each holiday season, cook comforting meals, and welcome loved ones home with warm hugs and bright smiles. It was something I was looking forward to and had a lot of fun. Although my precious mother is no longer here, creating a welcoming home brings me great joy as I carry on part of her legacy.
Now, I have three daughters, and I try to instill in them that the nature and environment of our home provides a welcoming space for spiritual growth, and that it is a safe place for others to do the same. Over time, our home has become a welcoming place for all who visit, as we aim to truly show love and care. We have made our home a beacon of hope and a source of light, as we have hosted many gatherings, social events, and fellowship times for our fellow brothers and sisters and for the lonely and lost.
Friends, it doesn’t matter where you live, whether your house is big or small, whether your kitchen table is littered with crumbs. God wants us to use our homes to bless family and strangers alike so that we can reflect the love of Christ. It actually doesn’t need that much. All we need is a willing heart and an open heart to seek God’s wisdom on how we can communicate His love. Now, when people step on your “Welcome” doormat and knock on your door, you’re ready.
entrance is important
You are blessed when you come in, and you are blessed when you go out. Deuteronomy 28:6
Yes, the entrance is really important. Not only does it look great on the outside, but it also makes people feel welcome at the front door when they step into your home. This space sets the tone for your modest abode, giving you the “first impression” so to speak and the first thing others experience. This includes not only the aesthetic appearance of your home, but also the “feel” you have as you take in the sights, smells, and sounds of your space.
You can create a warm entrance just by going outside and experiencing it for yourself. Let’s put ourselves in the guest’s shoes. Do your front walkways, porches, and doors look inviting? What happens when you step inside?
Here are some tips to beautify your exterior.
1. Please keep the front aisle space clear of clutter and trash.
2. Add a colorful or festive wreath and a welcoming doormat or sign.
3. If your front porch is large, bring in some elements to add a personal touch, such as a rocking chair with cushions, a bench, or a bistro table and chairs.
4. Shrubs, annuals, or colorful flower pots also brighten up doorways and make them more inviting.
Tips for giving a warm welcome at your front door:
1. Keep this area warm with soft lighting and pops of color.
2. Add a welcome doormat for guests to wipe their shoes, or provide a bucket or trash can if you want them to take off their shoes.
3. Inject style with purposeful furniture that helps residents, like coat racks, small tables, and benches for sitting and taking off shoes.
4. Incorporate fresh seasonal scents with soothing candles and essential oils.
5. The entryway is the perfect space to show who you serve and the perfect place to share your favorite scriptures and scriptures.
A warm welcome deepens love
Therefore, welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, to the glory of God. Romans 15:7 (ESV)
Interactions with others when people enter your home play a huge role in fostering a warm, loving, and accepting home. A simple, sincere smile can go a long way. When people come into your home, share your enthusiasm for them being there, offer to take their coats or wallets, and determine what they need. If you have children with you, extend verbal awareness to young children and share safe play areas in your home. This will allow parents to let down their guard. Make sure to acknowledge everyone who comes in so they feel seen and valued. That extra step can mean more than you realize, especially for those who feel “hidden.”
keep the house clean
However, everything should be done in a proper and orderly manner. 1 Corinthians 14:40
As guests walk through your home and enter your living spaces, keep in mind that a peaceful, loving home doesn’t have to be perfect. In fact, in a well-inhabited house, you can see some scratches on the walls and stains from the refrigerator. But keeping your frequently used areas clean, especially the kitchen, living area, and bathroom, will create a more peaceful atmosphere that will help you, your family, and your guests relax and rest.
3 tips to keep your home clean:
1. Make your morning routine easy, starting with making your bed. Then, move on, picking up items around the house. Please return the item as soon as you are finished using it.
2. Wipe kitchen and bathroom countertops daily. Deep cleaning once a week.
3. Practice seasonal decluttering in the spring and fall, including throwing away old toys, expired food and medicine, and donating clothing.
please serve
Each of you, as a faithful steward of God’s grace in its various forms, should use all the gifts you have received to serve others. 1 Peter 4:10
Service begins with a change of heart and a willingness to be obedient to God. God has modeled for us how to be servants and love others well. It begins with setting our hearts to serve those who live under our roof: our spouses, children, and families, and then extending our service to our neighbors, communities, and churches, opening our eyes to see others as God sees them, and meeting them with dignity, grace, and kindness.
As we tap into the spiritual gifts God has given us (Romans 12:6-8) and seek His wisdom and discernment, we have the opportunity to use our home as a place to retreat, rejuvenate, and rest.
How to serve others well at home:
1. Do extra chores to support your family.
2. Host a potluck for fun and fellowship.
3. Serve coffee and tea when family and friends relax.
4. Listen carefully and participate in the conversation.
share the gospel
For the gospel is the power of God that brings salvation to all who believe, first to Jews and then to Gentiles. Romans 1:16
In Jesus’ time, people often traveled 15 to 20 miles a day on foot to get to their destination. They didn’t have comfortable shoes or a suitable place to walk, so they were tired and exhausted and just wanted a place to rest their heads and support their feet. Hospitality is very important and gestures of kindness mean they feel safe, cared for, and even encouraged. Many of those who opened their homes also opened their hearts, exchanging stories and engaging in theological dialogue.
I learned a lesson in hospitality on a whim because I have two teenagers who always want to invite kids over or have last minute gatherings. I also experienced joyful moments of unexpected discussions that opened lines of communication that encouraged questions about faith and what it means to follow Jesus. For this reason, I always encourage people to keep plenty of the Bible on hand and read His Word to get to know the one true God.
The truth is, there are many wonderful ways to share the gospel in your home, and you can be blessed by such valuable interactions. One easy way to do this is to pray over your home and each area where family, friends, and newcomers gather. Invite God into those spaces and ask Him to soften your heart while giving you an opportunity to plant a seed.
Other ways to share the gospel at home:
1. Pray before meals and start a faith-based conversation around the table.
2. Be vulnerable and share your own testimony.
3. Practice your faith by actively showing love, serving others with integrity, speaking the truth, being honest and faithful, and sowing generous seeds.
Your home should be a peaceful and safe haven, but also a place where others are welcome to learn and hear about Jesus. Opening our home in this way allows us to meet all kinds of people at different points in our spiritual journey, and to be richly blessed by these encounters.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/SolStock
Alicia Searle is a dedicated author, blogger, and speaker who is passionate about pouring out her heart and leading women of all ages to Jesus. She has an academic background and holds a master’s degree in reading and writing. Her loved ones call her Mama. So much of her time is spent cheering them on at softball games and dance classes. She’s married to her crush (a tall, spiky-haired blonde) who can make a mean latte. She writes her heart on the page while sipping on the deliciousness as the puppy licks her paws. Visit her website aliciasearl.com and connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.
