Hospitality to One Another
I have been fortunate enough to have met some really godly people who have been in the ministry and have taken notice of me. One of those couples has been Lattie and Barbara McDonough, Lattie has given me sound advice not only in life but also in ministry and they have always welcomed Denise and me to come and spend time with them. Barbara is such a beautiful woman, full of grace and kindness and truly demonstrates the gift of hospitality when ever we have come to spend time with them – I remember how special Barbara made us feel to be guests in their home, our room was filled with all kinds of special “little extras” –fragrant soaps, lotions, candies, etc. and even a big fresh fruit basket to welcome us! It was such a pleasure to go to the McDonough home and you felt like you were apart of the family.
My grandparents would tell me that in their day, many people would keep the front light on there homes on in case some one was stranded and you might not have much but you also offered a meal and drink before sending someone down the road. These concepts are somewhat foreign today as we have adopted more of an individualistic view of life.
What does hospitality mean?
The Greek word for hospitality literally means to love or to welcome strangers. Webster’s dictionary defines hospitality as “the act or practice of one who is hospitable, reception and entertainment of strangers or guest without reward or with kind and generous liberality.”
“Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. I Peter 4:8-9
Peter urges us to offer hospitality to one another without complaining, not as duty, but as participation in our life with Christ. This is the mark of a Christ follower, someone whose heart and home are open to others.
Denise and I are so thankful for Lattie and Barbara for the investment they have sown into our lives. May we express the same hospitality towards strangers and guests as they have and reveal a love that covers a multitude of sins as Christ has done for us.