May 07 2008
Entertaining and Hospitality
From Jon Courson’s New Testament Application Commentary:
What does “hospitality” mean? It means to be a “hospital” for the hurting, lonely people who come your way.
Entertaining says, “I want to impress you with my home, my decorating, my cooking.”
Hospitality says, “This house is simply a gift from my Master. I use it however and whenever He desires.”
Entertaining needs to impress.
Hospitality aims to serve.
Entertaining puts things before people, saying, “As soon as I get the house clean, I”ll start inviting people over.”
Hospitality puts people first, saying, “No furniture? No problem. We’ll picnic on the floor.”
Entertaining subtly declares, “This house is mine—an expression of my personality, and my ingenuity.”
Hospitality whispers, “What’s mine is yours. Enjoy it anytime.”
