Biblical Hospitality with Guest Ruth Schwenk
Toward the beginning of our book of study A Life That Says Welcome, (on page 35 to be exact) I talk about many biblical examples of hospitality. Today’s guest leads us through unpacking one of the great examples from the pages of scripture, Abraham.
Meet my awesome friend and clever mom, Ruth Schwenk!
Like you, Ruth wears many hats! She is the wife of a pastor, who is her best friend and the love of her life.
She is a blessed homeschooling mother to her four beautiful children, and she eagerly waits meeting her five others in heaven. Ruth is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, IL. She has a passion for following God, leading worship, rescuing orphans, and inspiring others to create a God-honoring family.
On August 1st, 2011, Ruth launched The Better Mom . It is a site dedicated to moms who want to be better moms by sharing life and learning together, to the glory of God.
Most days, the thought of opening our house to people takes a back seat to the task of keeping our house in one piece. Hospitality? Like most moms, the thought is almost humorous!
I have always been a “people person”. Then I had 4 children and I had a house full of people all the time! I was constantly entertaining. ;) My zeal for hospitality was lost to survival.
Whether you are a mom or not, we all have so much stuff that is filling our lives that finding room for hospitality is nearly impossible.
One of the first acts of hospitality in the Bible is described in the Old Testament book of Genesis. We often think of Abraham as the father of faith, but he should also be highly regarded as the father of hospitality. Both he and his wife Sarah demonstrate for us a great picture of the hospitable family. Genesis 18:1-5 says,
“The LORD appeared to Abraham near the
great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent
in the heat of the day. Abraham looked up and saw three men standing
nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to
meet them and bowed low to the ground. He said, “If I have found favor
in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by.
Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and
rest under this tree. Let me get you something to eat, so you can be
refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your
servant.”
Hospitality is not only important for me personally, but it is also important for our family. As a mom, I want my children to understand the need to sacrificially give our lives to encourage and inspire others. Like anything, this must be intentionally taught and demonstrated to have lasting impact.
Following are three things we learn from the story of Abraham’s example of hospitality. They are also great reminders of how to teach hospitality to our children.
1. Abraham WELCOMED his guests – He had eyes for those who were in need. Abraham did not wait for a need to be known. He initiated an invitation. Helping our children learn hospitality means helping them see the needs of others.
2. Abraham SERVED his guests – True hospitality always has our guests on display, not our home. We are not the center, but our guests are. Helping our children learn hospitality means teaching them that our guests are the center of our attention when we invite them in.
3. Abraham REFRESHED his guests – He was focused on refreshing, not impressing. Helping our children learn hospitality means teaching them to see that we desire to see people leave more encouraged, strengthened, and refreshed then when they came.
I encourage you today, no matter how busy you are, to sit down with your family and take a look at your calendar. Make a list of friends and families that you are going to invite in to your home, and put it on the schedule! And don’t forget…get your children involved in helping plan, prepare, and welcoming your guests in.
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To enter the giveaway leave a comment below and tell me one thing you do to make your guests feel especially welcome.
Thank you so much for letting me share in this hospitality series with you all!
I would love for you to join me over at The Better Mom, where thousands of mom gather to learn and grow every day!
Great comments and reminders, especially the ones about BEING PRESENT. We had a couple over after church yesterday and I really focused on keeping it simple. We ate in the kitchen and instead of preparing dessert we planned on going to the ice cream stand less than a mile away. When I mentioned it the man’s ( over 60) face LIT UP. I think this will be a new tradition.
I try to ask alot of questions and spend time listening. I want them to feel like they have been heard and leave encouraged.
My husband and I enjoy cooking and preparing meals for people, though it has been difficult for me lately with 2 small kids and running a business out of my house to have the house ready for guests but this series has been very helpful to me especially reminding me the house doesn’t have to be perfect before I invite someone over. We also show hospitality by cooking for dinners at church.
I plan to buy a few small things I know they enjoy even if it is not something we ordinarily have in our home. If I know of preferences, I try to acquiesce to them even if it is out of my comfort zone. I want my guests to desire to return!
I try to take care of every need before they ask.
For out-of-towners, I research any activities that are going on in the area to take them too. I try to plan meals that I know they will like.
I always try to have their favorite beverage available.
When ever we have company, we make sure that all our family walks them to their vehicles. (granted the most we have is 5 families at a time) My 11 yr old daughter always puts fresh flowers in the guestroom when they spend the night.
Whether I’ve seen my guest(s) recently or not, I always greet them like I haven’t seen them forever and like they are the most important person in my life.
Have our sun room fixed for children baskets of books, dress-up clothes, paper and pencils, etc. Recently, have set a pretty dish with different flavors of tea, cups, etc. on the counter and have the teakettle ready to heat.
I greet them warmly and make sure they have a drink and something to eat while they are over.
Love your books on hospitality, Karen! Great reminders in today’s post from Ruth as well. The tea pot is adorable. :)
In addition to what everyone has already shared, I think it makes friends/guests feel comfortable when we LET THEM HELP! (if they want to, that is)…work alongside us in the kitchen, as we chat, etc.
Turn off the tv or whatever might be going on and give them my undivided attention. I really try to listen more than I talk and learn about them.
I try to have my meals done and in the crockpot or oven so I can spend all of my time with them. No one does dishes….that is addressed after our guests leave. ; )
I’m making an effort to greet each one entering our home, and find out how they’re doing.
I really like the idea on here of going out and walking people to their car. I’ve never thought to do that, but I’ll try it next time.
I like to make my guest feel at home and that they are important to our family. I try to have some of their favorite things on hand and make special foods they enjoy.. Thank you for a great study!
Okay, all these comments are making me feel overwhelmed even more! As much as I love the idea of inviting people into my home, truth is I really have trouble doing this! As a matter of fact, that’s what my last blog was even about! LOL
Growing up in a small town with parents who never – and I do mean NEVER entertained, I am still trying to figure this out as I go along. Sigh.
Donna
anotherbattlewon.blogspot.com
I have my children draw a special picture for each of our guests.
Anne
I am really enjoying this study!! Several of the things I do have already been mentioned: fresh linens and lots of clean towels for overnight company, and simply walking guests to the door, or out the door, so they know they were appreciated. With evening guests, I like to have a snack in mind, already fixed, or start the popcorn popper….nothing smells better then popcorn!
To be “prepared” for guests…I always try to make something simple so that I have more time to spend with them. I use my china for the occassion…they are special and I want them to feel they are special. I make sure the bathroom is clean…wipe the seat, new towel, new toilet paper roll and spray to make sure it smells good. I also go thru the house and make it smell good (I have two doggies).
May you be blessed because you are a blessing to someone today!
Smiles & Blessings Abound, Robin :)
I get so excited when guest r about to arrive that I keep watch for them and sometimes head out to greet them at their car.
It seems that lately most of our guests are friends of our college age kids. When our kids are home on breaks I like to make sure they feel free to invite their friends over. I am happy to provide lunch or dinner for them and I always make a scrumptious dessert to treat them.
I ask them questions and listen intently for their answers. Questions need to be about their likes, well-being, thoughts on subjects, etc. Then, I don’t shy away from sharing my thoughts and feelings on the subject – it’s important to be open and vulnerable to really be known. They say the greatest gift if a portion of thyself (greatest gift at the moment).
I try to always have something baked for them and it helps the house smell really yummy and welcoming, too!
Since we have moved, I do not entertain very many people. But in the past when I hosted and lead a ladie’s Bible study in my home once a week, I always made sure that I had plenty of healthy (and yummy) food on hand, and lots of bottled water! I tried to smile, even though I was tired (our studies were at the end of the day when I was absolutely weary and exhausted), and have a time of just fellowhip and “hanging” out when we were done with study. It wasn’t uncommon for ladies to leave my home at midnight! I miss those days. So if I win, I will have to make a new friend and have her over for tea. ;) Thank you!