In the early church, we see individuals continually practicing hospitality. “And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts, praising God and having favor with all people,” (Acts 2:46-47, ESV).
Through the work of the Holy Spirit, this spiritual practice has the power to counteract the selfishness, isolation, judgment, apathy and hostility in our hearts. Practicing hospitality can help us form into more compassionate, generous, curious, attentive, loving and grateful followers of Christ. If you desire to become more hospitable, allow me to encourage and challenge you with this guide:
1. Pause and center yourself for a moment. Ask for God’s guidance and creativity.
2. Think of one person you can be hospitable to in the upcoming week. Who do you know that needs to be radically welcomed? What events or circumstances are happening in the lives of those you know?
3. Spend time actively listening and paying attention when you’re around this person. What is their current emotional state? What are their interests? What beverage are they drinking? Listen and look for things you can act upon later.
4. Write down a few ideas, such as an event you can welcome them to, a gift you can give them or a way you can encourage or pray for them.
5. Set a goal. Plan a time to see this person, send them an encouragement or execute an act of hospitality toward them.
If you want to learn more about hospitality, consider earning your Bachelor of Science in Hospitality Management. To learn about other spiritual practices, consider adding a Spiritual Formation and Discipleship minor to your degree or attending GCU’s Spiritual Formation workshops.
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