Make Room

What is hospitality to you?

Hospitality is about loving people and taking care of them. When you make people feel appreciated and significant, it becomes a way of honoring God. It is the heartfelt genuine love of serving others. Displaying this kind of love can touch a person’s life in ways you can never imagine.

In Second Kings 4:8-37, the Shunammite woman recognized Elisha the prophet as a man of God. She honored him by preparing a room for his stay during his visit to town. In return, Elisha prayed for her to be blessed with a son. Miraculously, the following year, the Shunammite woman indeed gave birth to a son. A few years later, her son fell ill and died. She called for the prophet Elisha, refusing to accept her son’s death. She pressed through in faith and the prophet prayed over her son and he came back to life. He lived, and God gave the Shunammite woman a miracle because she honored the prophet and had unwavering faith in God.

This story of the Shunammite woman was a great example of hospitality and love.

I recently had an experience of impeccable hospitality while on a trip to Italy. I visited a quaint café in Milan, and from the minute I was seated until the time that I left the café, I felt like royalty. Every detail from the white linens to the candle, fresh flowers, and the waiter’s statement expressing his desire for us to be happy, was meticulously attended to. The homemade cannelloni, made with homemade pasta, bolognese meat sauce, fresh mozzarella, and parmesan cheese, was one of the best dishes that I have ever had in my entire life. The salad was perfect, with fresh, vibrant red tomatoes sliced alongside mozzarella balls, fresh basil, and arugula, and drizzled with delicious olive oil. It was served homemade bread, making it even more delightful. After dinner, the waiter offered fresh homemade tiramisu along with a cappuccino that was made to perfection. The entire evening was delightfully memorable, leaving me with a distinct feeling of being cherished. Undoubtedly, it was the most extraordinary dining experience I have ever had, and it left an indelible impression that will endure in my memory indefinitely.

This to me is hospitality! When you make someone feel special, honored, and loved, it showcases kindness at an exceptionally high level. Hospitality is a form of giving and showing love by blessing others and caring for them. I believe that when you genuinely want to bless other people and sow into them, it brings joy and can leave an impactful impression or even change a person’s life. When you sow honor, God sees it and blesses you.

Bible Verses on Hospitality:

1 Peter 4:8-9 reads, “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling” (NIV). Romans 12:13 says, “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality” (NIV). Hebrews 13:2 tells us, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (ESV). And Matthew 25:40 says, “Truly, I say to you, as you did it to the least of these my brothers, you did it to me” (ESV).

When we bless other people and sow into their lives, we are pleasing God, and He smiles down on us. It fills me with joy to envision my heavenly Father smiling down on me and being pleased with me. I have a deep love for extending hospitality, as it allows me to creatively bless others and brings me incredible fulfillment.

Ways You Can Set Up a Guest Room and Show Hospitality:

1. Choose a soft white color to create an elegant backdrop.

2. Clean, declutter, and have fresh air and plenty of light.

3. Add fresh beautiful, fragrant flowers.

4. White beautiful fresh bed linens are welcoming and add luxury and softness. A cozy throw is soft and luxurious.

5. Candles are warm, fragrant, relaxing, and calming to the atmosphere.

6. Add a bed, night tables, and a lamp for reading.

7. Add a dresser or small chest and have a space for your guests to hang clothes.

8. Bake some fresh croissants and serve fresh fruit and a latte or cup of tea.

9. If you have room, add a small writing desk.

10. Add artwork to the wall that is inspirational, soothing, and calming.

11. Place an area rug to anchor the furnishings and soften the space.

12. Use soft shades or simple drapery panels to soften and frame the window.

13. Add plants for greenery, life, and vitality.

14. A pretty pitcher for water is also a nice, hospitable touch.

15. The addition of color in art and accessories (such as blues or greens) is calming and resonates with nature.

Remember, materialistic things are pleasing and lovely, but setting an atmosphere of peace and God’s presence is most important. Cultivating a welcoming, restful, and peaceful home that flourishes with love will leave a lasting impression and will transform and touch a person’s heart.

Finally, The Bible speaks about the fruit of the Spirit in Galatians 5:22: “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control” (NKJV).

I hope you will make room in your heart to touch another person’s life with hospitality, kindness, and love. When you do, you will reap a harvest of joy.