PROMPTS & PRACTICES | LEARN TO BE HOSPITABLE
Imagine a scenario where you are invited into a place or “space” someone created for you. In one such setting, there is an unostentatious and even humble ambiance with a modest and thoughtful serving of food, and you find yourself being at home with a relaxed and comfortable heart. In another setting, there is extravagance and plentiful provision, but your heart is not at rest. The difference is not whether one is modest and the other extravagant. The difference lies with the heart of the host. Of course, you can find a setting where there is extravagance and warmth, and openness of the host. The opposite is also true in that there is modesty but closedness and detachment from the host.
Hospitality is foremost the way of the heart. How we are and how we prepare ourselves to be open, inviting, and giver of freedom to others is everything. After that comes the actual offering of hospitality, which requires work of service and dedication. The truth of the matter is that we can be hospitable wherever we are. It becomes a way of life-based on our magnanimous hearts. Our “home” then is our heart. Our heart home becomes the real “home” out of which we provide hospitality to whoever we come in contact with.
Practices
Invite someone(s) to your home. The Golden Rule of Jesus says that “so whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them” (Matthew 7:12). Apply this rule practically when providing hospitality. How would you like to be treated and served when you are a guest? Hospitality becomes an art of giving freedom and space for others to discover who they are.
Receive gifts and service from others with a grateful heart. While it is true that we are more blessed when giving than receiving, appropriate receiving restores dignity upon the one who is doing the act of giving. When receiving, we are humbly placing ourselves under the one who is giving.
Grow your magnanimous heart by giving “difficult” people around you the benefit of the doubt. Say a quick prayer of blessing over them when tempted toward judgement.