Hospitality and Spiritual Gifts

 By: Lauren Thomas 

My family recently visited friends out of state. I was amazed and inspired by the way they hosted us. Everything they did, was with our comfort in mind. Every little touch was added to make us feel honored.

 

They put us up in their camper, but before we got there, they stocked the fridge with all kinds of goodies. When we went to their house for meals, the table was beautifully set with flowers and candles. They had prepared extra seating for our family and thought through every detail in advance.

 

When I made comments or asked about this, I was met with their firm convictions that hospitality is something they are called to. They not only believe hospitality is required of them, but they also enjoy doing it and do it passionately.

While we could look at several Bible verses that exhort believers to show hospitality, I – quite frankly – have never felt much of a conviction about this. Even so, I was so inspired by my friends and the way they made me feel, that as soon as I got home, I made plans to host twice in the next week.

 

I am not a great cook. I don’t have a large home. And, while I will continue to work harder to host well, I don’t think this is my spiritual gift. *insert embarrassed laugh here*

 

My friends on the other hand? I think hosting just might be one of their spiritual gifts! And their zeal for it demonstrates something that can inspire any believer with any gifting.

 

6 Having gifts that differ according to the grace given to us, let us use them: if prophecy, in proportion to our faith; 7 if service, in our serving; the one who teaches, in his teaching; 8 the one who exhorts, in his exhortation; the one who contributes, in generosity; the one who leads, with zeal; the one who does acts of mercy, with cheerfulness.

Romans 12:6-8 ESV

 

All believers are given some measure of gifting that is for the benefit of the Church. My gift might not be hospitality, but I do have gifts that can help others. Like my friends’ passion for hosting, I can passionately work at the things God has gifted me in. My gift doesn’t have to look the same as another’s gift. But all gifts should be expressed with zeal.

 

What about you? Where has God gifted you to serve others? What does it look like to passionately use your gift for the Church?

 

Reflection:

What gift(s) has God given you? How are you using your gifts for the Church?

Read 1 Corinthians 12:4-11, 28 for additional information on different spiritual gifts. What non-gifts could you consider exercising (i.e., showing hospitality when you aren’t a great hostess, or showing mercy when you have a strong sense of justice)?

What does it look like to use your gift with zeal?