I'll share the general outline, but first, allow me to bask and glory in some complimentary words from my youngest.
My son just came in the room to ask a question, and he asked what the class was about.
"Hospitality," I said.
"Oh," he said. "I can see why you're teaching it."
Melt, melt, buttons bursting, etc, etc.
Yes, he also walked out muttering something about overdoing it sometimes, and when I asked him to repeat it he said, "You know what? I think I'll just stop there, with I can see why you're teaching that class."
Here's my incomplete outline (which isn't wholly mine, we are using an assigned workbook).
Define it-
from Homer on down, it meant ‘fond of guests.’ Literally, it means love of strangers, or outsiders, which is something to think about when we consider application and determining what it means- and what it doesn't mean.
Every example I can find in Biblical or classical literature of antiquity either is specifically about having people in your own space, or the reference is so vague that no place is mentioned. I suspect it was probably not generally used in reference to taking people out to eat at a restaurant until the last fifty years or so.
What does the Bible say about it?
1 Peter 4:8 Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins. 9 Be hospitable to one another without complaint.
1 timothy 3:2- elders must be ‘given to hospitality.’ Tit 1:8 Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.
Ro 12:13 Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.: also translated as pursue- the implication of the word being that Christians look for opportunities to be hospitable.
Heb 13:2,16 ; 2Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it
1 timothy 5:10: and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the saints, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.
Matthew 25:35, one of the most important: For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in- what does this tell us about those who do not have strangers in? How important is it really? Do we esteem it as much as Christ did?
What are our excuses for not practicing hospitality?
No time:
No money:
Not enough space:
House not clean:
Don’t know how:
Biblical responses to those excuses?
I'm working on this one.
Practical tips for addressing those excuses:
I think we'll be winging it on this and inviting class participation.
Mistakes made:
Confusing entertainment with hospitality
Confusing inviting people over to yoru house to spend their money getting you free tubber-ware (that's a deliberate typo)
Overcleaning
Overspending
Apologizing
Family meals as hospitality:
some of the ideas expressed here.
I'm curious what your definition of overcleaning is. :D
ReplyDeleteI remember your and your husband's attempts to get us to stay with you once--have never had that happen otherwise, but it so reminded us of Lydia "begging" Paul to stay with her in Acts 16. :)
I have a feeling I should attend this class. I also have a feeling it's probably too far away from Kentucky.
ReplyDeleteOh well.
I might need to do some studying on it.
I can't imagine anyone, anywhere more qualified to teach this class--a classic case of "I practice what I preach."
ReplyDeleteMatthew 10: 41, 42
He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
I can't think of anyone, anywhere more qualified to teach on this subject--a classic case of "I practice what I preach."
ReplyDeleteMatthew 10:41,42
He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward. And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
My excuse is that my husband doesn't care to have people over, and he really hates to make plans. What advice would you give a woman in my shoes?
ReplyDeleteMamaOlive, you may just not be able to practice hospitality if your husband is averse.
ReplyDeleteOR you can invite a quiet grandmama, or staid older retired couples over to visit in the mid mornings or afternoons.
You could have them for brunch or tea, or you don't have to serve food at all. Have a small and intimate card making party, or a card writing party for somebody who is sick.
If your husband doesn't care who comes over when he's not there, invite a couple of college girls over to help you bake cookies for the boy scout troop, or to study for a test, or have the fourth grade Sunday school class over to play games in the backyard or to build bird houses- all during times your husband will not be annoyed.
Or, if he doesn't want anybody over ever, whether he is there or not, help somebody else with hospitality. Get together with a friend who is having people over and offer to supply some home-made bread or bags of chips.
And pray about it.