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As Christian women, we are called to live a life reflecting Christ’s love. One way we can do this is through the spiritual discipline of hospitality. While the Bible does not specifically categorize hospitality as a spiritual discipline, it is an important aspect of Christian living. And the more emphasis we place on it in our own life, the closer we become to showcasing the love of Christ to all we meet. As we cultivate the spiritual discipline of hospitality we are becoming closer to experiencing the character of God.
What are spiritual disciplines? Simply put, spiritual disciplines are practices that help us grow in our relationship with God – to see His goodness emphatically. They are habits that we develop to deepen our faith and draw closer to Him. Examples of spiritual disciplines include prayer, Bible study, fasting, and meditation.
Hospitality is not listed as a spiritual discipline in the Bible, but it shares similarities with other spiritual disciplines.
For example, hospitality involves practicing love for others (1 Peter 4:8-9), which is also a key aspect of the spiritual discipline of service (Galatians 5:13). It also involves being intentional about creating space for others, which can be seen as a form of solitude (Psalm 46:10).
Furthermore, hospitality is not just about entertaining guests or having a perfectly clean home. It is about welcoming others into our lives and sharing the love of Christ with them.
In Romans 12:13, we are instructed to “practice hospitality” and in Hebrews 13:2, we are reminded to “show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it.”
As women, we know that hospitality is a reflection of God’s love for us. Jesus Himself modeled hospitality throughout His ministry, welcoming all who came to Him. In Luke 14:12-14, Jesus tells us to invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind to our dinner parties, rather than just our friends and family.
Hospitality can be a challenging spiritual discipline to practice, especially in our fast-paced and individualistic culture. However, when we open our hearts and homes to others, we create opportunities for deepening relationships and sharing the gospel. As we practice hospitality, we become more like Christ and grow in our love for others.
However, when we open our hearts and homes to others, we create opportunities for deepening relationships and sharing the gospel.
While hospitality may not be listed as a spiritual discipline in the Bible, it is an important aspect of Christian living. Through practicing hospitality, we demonstrate love for others, create space for God to work, and share the gospel. Let us be intentional about cultivating a spirit of hospitality so that we may reflect the love of Christ to those around us.
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