Spiritual Practice: Hospitality
Hospitality is often seen as something optional—an extra. A party, a meal, a pretty table. But biblically, hospitality isn’t about entertaining—it’s about making room. Room in our lives, our homes, our time, our hearts. Room for others to feel seen, known, and cared for.
This isn’t about performance. It’s about presence. And it is deeply spiritual.
In our fast-paced world, this can feel like a hard ask. I know there are times when hospitality feels overwhelming—when my energy is low, when the calendar is full, when life feels messy. But I’m learning that real hospitality doesn’t require perfection. It simply requires a posture of welcome.
What Is Hospitality, Really?
Scripture describes hospitality as a necessary and ongoing part of Christian life. Paul says, “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” (Romans 12:13) The word practice reminds me: this is something we grow into—imperfectly, intentionally.
Hospitality isn’t only about hosting people we already know. Hebrews 13:2 urges us not to forget welcoming strangers, “for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” From strangers to neighbors, guests to friends—hospitality is about invitation. It says: you are welcome here.
Hospitality changed form something I “had to do” at my home to something I could do anywhere during a monthly women’s meeting. We had set up tables for each group and I realized that I would be “host” at one of the tables. I welcomed people to join me, I opened up about our discussion topic, shared about my life and struggles. I listened to the others and asked questions. That was hospitality, and I understood I could do that anywhere.
Hospitality Reflects God’s Heart
At its core, hospitality is about reflecting God’s welcome.
From the garden to the cross, God has always made space for us. Jesus welcomed the ones others ignored—children, sinners, outcasts, doubters. He didn’t host perfect gatherings. He showed up, broke bread, told the truth, and loved people well.
In Luke 14, Jesus challenges us to invite those who can’t repay us—“the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind.” That’s a very different kind of hospitality than we see in the world. It’s hospitality without agenda. Without expectation. Rooted in grace.
Most weeks, I offer a ride to the bus stop to one lady at church. It sounds like nothing much, but it gives us time one-on-one to share. A few minutes each week have led to a nice friendship. I made space and offered something small and it has been a blessing to me to know this woman.
Practicing Hospitality in Daily Life
So how do we practice this kind of welcome? It doesn’t always mean opening your home. It can mean opening your time, your attention, or your table, even in simple ways:
Open Your Table – It doesn’t have to be fancy. A bowl of soup or takeout pizza can still be sacred when shared with intention. Acts 2:46 reminds us that the early church broke bread “with glad and sincere hearts.”
Open Your Time – Hospitality shows up when we create margin for others—when we slow down enough to notice who might need care, conversation, or simply a presence.
Open Your Attention – Look for the person standing alone at church. The neighbor who hasn’t been included. The friend who keeps saying, “I’ve been meaning to reach out.” Matthew 25:35 comes to mind: “I was a stranger and you invited me in.”
Open Your Heart – More than anything, hospitality is about how we welcome—not just who. It’s about warmth. It’s about being present. It’s about creating space for belonging, without requiring anyone to earn it.
Time, attention, table, car. Making room for others is something simple. Out of my comfort zone, sometimes. But those few moments are worth it when someone else feels seen. Feels heard. Feels affirmed. Feels loved.
A Spiritual Practice, Not Just a Social One
Hospitality is spiritual because it reflects Christ. It takes courage and humility to make space for others—especially when life is full. 1 Peter 4:9 tells us to “offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” That little add-on—without grumbling—is convicting, isn’t it?
Hospitality isn’t about being the host with the most. It’s about being someone who says, you belong here. And in a world marked by loneliness, that’s one of the most powerful witnesses we can offer.
Reflection Question
Where is God inviting you to make room right now—emotionally, relationally, or practically—for someone else?
A Closing Prayer
Lord,
You have welcomed me again and again—with grace, with patience, with joy.
Teach me to reflect Your welcome in how I live and love.
Help me to see the ones who need invitation.
Give me courage to open my time, my heart, and my space—without fear or performance.
Let my life be a place where others encounter Your kindness and truth.
Amen.
