Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2
As a southern gal that has a little bit of built-in hospitality in her bones, thanks to my momma, I can attest that I have always wanted to be “the house” where everyone gathers. Growing up, I had the honor and privilege of helping my mom decorate our home every holiday season, creating comforting meals, and ushering loved ones into our home with warm hugs and bright smiles. It was something I looked forward to and thoroughly enjoyed. While my precious momma is no longer here, creating a home that is inviting is something that brings me so much joy as I carry on this part of her legacy.
Now, I have three daughters, and I am trying to etch into their hearts that the nature and environment of our home can offer a sweet space to grow spiritually and be a safe haven for others to do the same. Over time, our home has become a place that welcomes all who enter, as we truly aim to show love and extend compassion. Among the many gatherings, social events, and fellowship times we hosted for fellow brothers and sisters, as well as for the lonely and lost, we have made our home a beacon of hope and a source of light.
Friend, it doesn’t matter where you live, how big or small your home is, or whether the kitchen table is scattered with crumbs. God wants us to use our homes to bless our families and strangers alike, so that we can reflect the love of Christ. It really doesn’t take much, just a willing heart and an open mind seeking God’s wisdom on how you can convey His love. So, now when people step on your “Welcome” doormat and knock on the door, you’ll be ready!
The Entrance Matters
You will be blessed when you come in and blessed when you go out. Deuteronomy 28:6
Yes, the entrance really does matter. Not only on the outside, but as people first step foot into your home and are greeted in the entryway, too. This space sets the tone of your humble abode, giving the “first impression,” if you will, and what others initially experience. This includes not only the aesthetic look of your home, but the “feel” throughout as they take in the sights, smells, and sounds of your space.
You can create a warm and inviting entrance by simply stepping outside and experiencing it yourself. Think like a possible guest. Does your front walkway, porch, and door appear appealing? What about when you step inside?
Here are a few tips to help you spruce up the exterior:
1. Be sure to keep your front walkway space free and clear of clutter and debris.
2. Add a colorful or festive wreath and a welcoming doormat or signage.
3. If you have a wider front porch, bring some elements that will add a personal touch, such as rocking chairs with cushions, a bench, or a bistro table and chairs.
4. Shrubs, annual plants, or colorful flowerpots also brighten up doorways and make them inviting.
Tips to extend that warm welcome into your entryway:
1. Keep this area warm with soft lighting and pops of color.
2. Add a welcome doormat for guests to wipe off their shoes or offer a bucket or bin if you prefer them to take off their shoes.
3. Incorporate style with purposeful furniture pieces that serve those who enter, such as a coat rack, small table, or bench to sit and remove shoes.
4. Bring in fresh seasonal scents with cozy candles or essential oils.
5. Entryways offer the perfect space to show who you serve, making it an ideal place to showcase a favorite verse or scripture.
A Warm Welcome Extends Love
Therefore, welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God. Romans 15:7 (ESV)
Our interactions with others as they enter our home play a huge role in fostering a home that is warm, loving, and accepting. Just a simple, sincere smile can go a long way. As people enter your home, share your enthusiasm for them being there, offer to take their coat or purse, and gauge what they may need. If they have children in tow, extend verbal recognition to the little ones and share safe places to play in your home. This will allow parents to let their guard down as well. Be sure to acknowledge every individual who walks in, so they feel seen and valued. That extra step could mean more than you know, especially to someone who may feel “hidden.”
Keep Your Home Tidy
But everything should be done in a fitting and orderly way. 1 Corinthians 14:40
As your guests meander through your home and into the living spaces, keep in mind that a peaceful, loving home doesn’t have to be spotless. In fact, a well-lived-in home will show a few scuff marks on the walls and smudges on the fridge. But keeping your home tidy, especially in areas that are mostly used, such as the kitchen, living area, and bathrooms, creates a more peaceful feel and allows you, your family, and guests to relax and rest.
Three helpful tips for keeping your home tidy:
1. Have a quick morning routine that starts with making your bed. Then pick up items around the house as you go along. Place items back as soon as you are done with them.
2. Wipe down countertops in the kitchen and bathroom daily. Deep clean once a week.
3. Do the seasonal declutter by throwing away old toys, expired foods or medicine, and donating clothes in the spring and in the fall.
Be of Service
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. 1 Peter 4:10
Servanthood begins with a change of heart and a willingness to be obedient to God, as He modeled for us how to be a servant and love others well. It starts with positioning our hearts to serve those who live under our roof: our spouse, our children, and our family—then extending our service to our neighbor, community, and church, opening our eyes to see others the way God does and meeting them with dignity, grace, and kindness.
When we tap into the spiritual gifts God has given us (Romans 12:6-8) and seek His wisdom and discernment, opportunities arise to use our home as a place to retreat, rejuvenate, and rest.
Ways to serve others well in your home:
1. Do extra chores that will help support the family.
2. Host a potluck for fun and fellowship.
3. Offer coffee and tea as family and friends settle in.
4. Be an attentive listener and engage in conversations.
Share the Gospel
For I am not ashamed of the gospel, because it is the power of God that brings salvation to everyone who believes: first to the Jew, then to the Gentile. Romans 1:16
Back in Jesus’ time, people would often travel 15-20 miles a day on foot to get where they were going. They didn’t have comfortable shoes or a good place to walk, either, leaving them weary and exhausted, just longing for a place to rest their heads and prop up their feet. Hospitality was crucial, and gestures of kindness meant they were safe, cared for, and even encouraged. Many who opened their homes also opened their hearts, exchanging stories and engaging in theological dialogue.
Having two teenagers who constantly invite kids over or want to throw last-minute get-togethers, I have learned the lesson of hospitality on the whim. I have also had sweet moments of unexpected discussions that open lines of communication that spur questions regarding faith and what it means to follow Jesus. Due to this, I always have an extra pile of Bibles on hand and invite them to get to know the One true God by reading His Word.
The truth is, there are so many beautiful ways we can share the gospel in our homes, and even more, be blessed by these precious interactions. One simple way to do this is to pray over your home and each area where family, friends, and newcomers gather. Invite God into those spaces and ask that He soften hearts while giving you opportunities to plant seeds.
Other ways to share the gospel in your home:
1. Pray before meals and initiate faith-based conversation around the table.
2. Be vulnerable and share your own testimony.
3. Live out your faith by actively showing love, serving others with sincerity, speaking truth, being authentic and genuine, and sowing generosity.
Your home is meant to be a peaceful and safe refuge, but it can also be a welcoming place for others to learn and hear about Jesus. When we open our homes in this manner, we get to meet all kinds of people at various points in their spiritual journey and can be abundantly blessed by these encounters.
Photo credit: ©GettyImages/SolStock
Alicia Searl is a devotional author, blogger, and speaker that is passionate about pouring out her heart and pointing ladies of all ages back to Jesus. She has an education background and master’s in literacy. Her favorite people call her Mom, which is why much of her time is spent cheering them on at a softball game or dance class. She is married to her heartthrob (a tall, spiky-haired blond) who can whip up a mean latte. She sips that goodness while writing her heart on a page while her puppy licks her feet. Visit her website at aliciasearl.com and connect with her on Instagram and Facebook.
