Finding Joy in Hospitality

My sweet friend, Amber, of Embrace This Joyful Life has been doing a great series on her blog all about helping us to cultivate joy in various areas of our lives. I was so touched when she reached out to me and asked if I would write a guest post for her series on the topic of “Finding Joy in Hospitality”. Here is what I wrote. I hope it encourages you today!

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I know for some of you sweet ladies the title of this post may seem like a complete oxymoron. Perhaps the thought of gaining joy from practicing hospitality seems impossible for you. Even as someone who loves hospitality, believes it to be important, and thrives on having lots of people into her home, I understand! I really do. Hospitality is not always easy for me. It’s not always something I feel comfortable with doing. Sometimes it can feel very awkward.

I do believe, however, that everyone – no matter your personality, background, experiences or condition of your home – can find joy in practicing hospitality. I believe this to be true because: living a life of hospitality is something the Lord expects of us (Romans 12:13, 1 Peter 4:9, Hebrews 13:2), He faithfully equips us for what we are called to do (Hebrews 13:20-21), and He blesses us when we obey (James 1:25, John 13:17, Luke 11:28, 1 Peter 3:9).

Where to Start

How, though, practically speaking, do we gain joy from practicing hospitality? I believe the place to start, as in all other areas of our lives, as well, is with time in God’s Word.

 

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To read the rest, head on over to Amber’s blog!