A few years ago, my husband and I made a very large move to a brand new city, culture, social circle, and environment. As with many moves, this one brought with it a season of adjusting and many days of loneliness. Yet, when I look back on that season, the days I remember the most are the ones when we were invited into people’s homes or out for dinner. I also remember the times we invited people we didn’t know into our home for dinner in the effort to build relationships. Although that transition was very hard, I grew through it to understand the rich value of hospitality.
The concept of hospitality is woven all throughout the Bible. It says in Matthew 25:34-36:
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; inherit the Kingdom prepared for you from the creation of the world. For I was hungry ,and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick and you cared for me, I was in prison and you visited me.’”
During this holiday season, when hospitality becomes so important, there are people around us every day who are lonely and eager for new friendships. Would you join me to be intentional to keep your eyes open for new opportunities you encounter to build a relationship with someone you don’t know very well, or someone that just moved to your area? Invite someone over or out for coffee. It does not require a spotless house or perfect family, all it takes is genuine interest, and willingness to be yourself and share your world.
Sarah LeBlanc
Great Lakes Field Director
Inspirational