by Tammy Pust

The following principles are not just for being hospitable in your home.  Showing hospitality should be applied to guests at home, at church, and at work.

1. Acknowledge their presence by accepting them.

Genesis 18:2—“ . . . and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself . . .”

• Right Attitude: “I’m glad you’re here.”
• Wrong Attitude: “Oh, it’s you,” or “Oh no, not now!”

Appropriate greetings communicate, “I’m glad you’re here.”

2. Make them feel welcome by loving them.

Genesis 18:4—“Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:  And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts . . . ”

• Right Action: Refreshment given
• Wrong Action: Every man for himself

Appropriate actions communicate, “I want to meet your needs.”

3. Nourish them by serving them.

Genesis 18:6-8—”And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal . . . and Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetched a calf tender and good . . . and he hasted to dress it.  And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them . . . and they did eat.”

• Right Service: Give time and substance to meet needs
• Wrong Service: Focus on self instead of others

Appropriate service communicates, “I will put you first.”

Hospitality is taking the opportunity to love and nourish others physically, emotionally, and spiritually.