Challenges to Practicing Hospitality
This blog is part of a series of posts exploring the practices of biblical hospitality as a missional strategy.
Hospitality was a significant force in gospel advancement in the first century. Research overwhelmingly affirmed the practice of hospitality in the first century by the Christian community. Christians scattered throughout the world because of persecution became a catalytic part of the spread of the gospel. As homes were opened and resources shared, the gospel raced through the Roman road system, and the church multiplied at an unprecedented rate.
Hospitality can be as instrumental in the advance of the gospel today as it was in the early church. Scripturally speaking, the practice of hospitality was the most effective means of disciples making disciples, As we consider hospitality as a missional strategy in the 21st century, and the working definition of, taking the initiative to help saints and strangers go from unknown to known, by opening up our homes and lives for the sake of the gospel and the glory of God, we must acknowledge and battle the excuses that keep us from manifesting this kingdom ethic to the watching world.
8 Excuses for Not Practicing Hospitality:
. The social excuse. Hospitality is not for me, I am an introvert.
The communication excuse. Small talk is not for me, I struggle in conversation.
The time excuse. I am too busy, I do not have enough time.
The money excuse. Hospitality cost money, I barely have enough for my family.
The space excuse. My house is too small, we do not have enough room.
The experience excuse. Hospitality is something my grandmother knew how to do.
The family excuse. My spouse is not supportive. Have you seen my family?
The fear excuse. I am afraid of to open up my life and my home to others.
Refuse to let challenges that can be overcome turn into excuses that paralyze you from practicing biblical hospitality. Practicing biblical hospitality is taking the initiative to help saints and strangers go from unknown to known, by opening up our homes and lives for the sake of the gospel and the glory of God. May we be found faithful leveraging our lives, homes, and resources as we put away excuses and say, welcome .
