One of the best books on hospitality I’ve ever read is The Gospel Comes with a House Key by Rosalia Butterfield. It’s about how God used an invitation to dinner to open her heart to Him, and how she offered outright hospitality to other unbelievers in the future. I read this book years ago while writing a book review for a client, and it stuck with me. So how can we accept hospitality and build a warm Christian home?
Understanding the Biblical Foundations of Hospitality
God has given us several commandments, one of which is to emphasize love and generosity, welcoming and caring for strangers. It is one of the cornerstones of our faith and a way to tangibly demonstrate the love of Christ to others. This is also where the Biblical foundations of hospitality originate.
Creating a cozy atmosphere: the role of the home environment
Creating a welcoming atmosphere is essential for hospitality. You can also do this another way.
Make the space a comfortable one. Blankets, extra cushions, and rugs add warmth and make conversation on the couch more enjoyable.
Soft lighting – Consider using warm-toned light bulbs, candles, and dimmable lamps.
Try a warm scent. This can be done in a variety of ways, including candles (traditional or wax melts), baking something, or boiling a pot. Think pumpkin spice in the fall, apple cinnamon in the winter, floral notes in the spring, and citrus notes in the summer.
Clean and remove clutter – Keeping your space clean and clear of clutter is good for your physical and mental health and makes it feel more inviting. Remove clutter every day so that it doesn’t become a big hassle when someone comes over or shows up unexpectedly.
Thoughtful decoration – Display photos of your family, relatives and pets. Shop for decor featuring funny sayings or favorite Bible verses. These add a personal touch to your home. It’s fun to change it up depending on the season. Create a space for guests to gather in the living room. As mentioned earlier, using blankets and cushions can further enhance this effect. You should also have a coffee table nearby to place your cups and utensils.
Bring nature in – Place potted plants around you or at least seasonal arrangements in your kitchen or coffee table. If you have pets or children who are interested in something, artificial flowers may be the best choice.
Play Soft Music – Soft music creates a relaxing atmosphere for you and your guests. You can create playlists and download artist albums. When I think of feel-good music, I think of Jim Brickman, Chris Botti, and George Winston.
Serve snacks – We all know food fosters community, so serve a fruit and cheese platter or a bowl of trail mix and nuts. This will make your guests feel more welcome.
Be warm and welcoming – Be genuine when welcoming someone into your home. Smile when you open the door, offer to take their coat, and wave them into a room where they can sit, relax, and chat. Their first impression of you means everything.
Encourage interaction: The importance of personal relationships
Having personal relationships with other people is very important. Both online and in person. People who feel supported in their relationships have a lower risk of anxiety and depression.
This requires mutual respect, clear communication, and the ability to deal with conflicts constructively. It’s important to remember this no matter who is in your home: long-time friends and family, children, or someone you just met.
Nourishing the Soul: Christian Food and Fellowship
Food brings us all together. The Bible shows us this over and over again, from the Last Supper to the story of the five fish and two loaves. There are many ways to make eating at home more comfortable.
-Be sure to say “Grace” before eating.
– Have warm and engaging conversations.
-If you’re in the mood, discuss the Bible or your favorite Bible verses. (This means determining if the person is new to your table. I’m not saying don’t share your beliefs, but you may need to wait until the right opportunity presents itself.)
– End your meal with something delicious and a cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa.
Encourage an open door: Practical tips for entertaining guests
Here are some tips for entertaining your guests.
Simplify your space as mentioned above and clear out the clutter around your home. Other tips include decluttering your living room, bathroom, and entryway, and closing doors to rooms that aren’t used often.
Prepare in advance – Stock up on essentials like napkins, drinks, and snacks ahead of time. Choose a simple meal, such as a casserole with warm vegetables or salad, or a ceramic meal.
Share the load – If possible, ask family members to help with cleaning and cooking.
Embrace imperfection: The best-prepared gatherings don’t always go perfectly, and that’s okay. Instead, focus on connection. Also, skip apologizing if the house isn’t clean. It’s not about how it looks, it’s about how you make your guests feel. The way you make them feel is something they will never forget.
Keep it simple. Keep extra snacks on hand and offer simple drinks like hot coffee or tea or cold lemonade on hot days.
Cultivating a spirit of generosity: Giving beyond the home
Hospitality and generosity go hand in hand, and it’s good to promote a generous lifestyle with your family. Here are some ways to do this.
-Use your time generously. Volunteer and get to know people. Talk to a stranger in the grocery store line or while waiting for an appointment.
Be generous with your words. We live in a world full of doom and gloom, and everyone knows that the tongue is the most powerful muscle. Use this word to talk about life to someone who is struggling or having a bad day.
Share your gifts, talents, and skills. The talents God has given you are not unique to you. They should be shared with others. Do your research and share it both in person and online.
-Be generous with your belongings. Be polite and give away what you don’t need. There may be kids in low-income neighborhoods who want your old sports equipment. Elderly people in nursing homes will be obsessed with books you no longer want. Does your pet have too many toys? Donate a few of them to your local shelter or cat cafe.
Teaching children the importance of hospitality
There are many ways to teach children about hospitality.
– You can start by asking your friends how they felt at their house. Do they feel welcome? Is their home attractive?
– How do I welcome visitors?
-Teach your guests how to make them feel important
Ask someone to help you prepare the next time they come over and help you get the point across.
– Teach me to share what I have with a cheerful heart. Let them know that it’s not all about them and that sharing is caring when they play with others or share their belongings.
– Teach people to welcome people wholeheartedly and not expect anything in return.
Prayer and reflection: Make your home a sacred space
Prayer is important in a Christian home. Learn how to create a sacred space for your family and guests.
-Create a space dedicated to prayer. This can be a corner of the room, an entire room, or a closet.
-Choose art that depicts prayer and the importance of prayer.
– Keep a Bible or book on prayer handy to encourage the practice of prayer and contemplation.
There are many ways to make your home a warm, cozy, and welcoming place for friends, family, and strangers. Take a look at your home and think about how you can improve your hospitality starting today.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/FreshSplash
Carrie Laurence is a freelance writer and author. Her work has been featured in Crosswalk, iBelieve, Huffington Post, and The Penny Hoarder. She is also the author of three children’s books, three pretty romance books, one romance novel, three poetry collections, and one nonfiction book. When she’s not writing, she enjoys cooking, baking, reading, and spending time with her husband and cute cat, Cupcake. For more information about Carrie and her writing, please visit www.carrielowrance.com.
