Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor; not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord; rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer, contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.
Romans 12:10-13
I have often heard people say: “Hospitality is not one of my gifts, so I will pass on this one!”
Hospitality is not just inviting someone over to share a meal; it’s a mindset that anyone can and should adopt (Romans 12:13 is pretty clear).
Hospitality is and can be inviting a new coworker to have lunch together in the break room.
Hospitality is and can be asking the Lord to show you who needs invited in or encouragement each day in prayer.
Hospitality is modeling to our children while they are growing up what this looks like: walking
this out for them to see and experience for themselves..
Hospitality is not self-induced pressure to throw a party with an expensive menu where the fine china and crystal have to be used.
Hospitality is not feeling false guilt for not having a large or fancy enough home to host.
Being devoted to one another …
I grew up in a humble, simple home that was smaller than 1200 square feet where hospitality and the love of Christ were practiced as part of our family life and rhythms without all the pomp and circumstance! We were a family who invited non-blood relatives, many of whom were like family, to holiday gatherings and even included them in the gift exchange, and of course, delicious food and dessert were always present. We never met in restaurants, instead our home was the landing pad … and the safe place.
Persevering in tribulation …
For a brief season of life, my husband invited my father-in-law to live with us as he had a terminal illness. Hospitality took on a new meaning: sacrifice, serving, and prayer were our pillars during this time.
Contributing to the needs of saints …
After being married, and as my children got older, we lived in the middle of a subdivision. We were intentionally the house that was never locked, and teens always knew they were welcome to come and eat and that the futon in the spare room was available to anyone who needed it.
Fervent in spirit, serving the Lord …
Who would have guessed that God used my parents’ heart of hospitality to mold me, along with their love of the Lord, to live a life of hospitality as well! Hospitality prepared me for a house of veteran men (of all ages, colors, and backgrounds) who needed to know they were safe and cared for in a home while they were on a journey and pause from life.
Who in your life would be blessed by your kindness … and hospitality?
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Tracey Barr has been married to Kenny for just shy of 43 years. They have three grown children who are married and five grandchildren ranging from 20 to 4, who are scattered throughout the US (Arizona, Washington State and Chicago IL). Grace East has been my home since I was a preschooler, and my mom is the oldest attendee still at Grace. I accepted the Lord at a very young age, and I have known that he has wanted me to serve him wholeheartedly since then. I have been a caregiver throughout my marriage to parents, and I worked in healthcare for 15 years before coming on staff at Grace in 2001 for the better part of 14 years.
God called Kenny and I into the “urban mission field” 14 years ago where we endeavored as on-site house managers, living in a 400 sq ft apartment, living life with homeless Veterans who were struggling with mental health and substance abuse. I would characterize myself as an advocate for the broken, and my goal with the Veterans we serve is to share the gospel before they leave our program (having served over 800 to date).
