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Thursday, August 11, 2011

Honest Host?

Love, Love, Love all things hosting. Bring out the oh-so-neat matching plates and cups; creatively craft an awesome center piece (I'll have to work on this step- my crafty skills are not up to par); bake tons of tasty treats; and brew the fancy stuff. Or let's simplify by grilling yummy burgers and building a toasty bonfire.
That's being hospitable. I'm I right?

Sure, it involves opening your home and sharing your life. But is that all it takes to be hospitable?

What about opening your heart? Is your heart a home for your friends? I don't mean to say that we have to let everyone in on every detail of our heart. Instead...

Do we bear each others burdens? Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. Galatians 6:2

Do we love one another? The entire law is summed up in a single command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Galatians 5:14

Do we confess to each other? Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working. James 5:16


Do we pray together? All these with one accord were devoting themselves to prayer, together with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and his brothers. Acts 1:14

It's easy to say we do life together on Sundays, at church "fellowships", and in our homes, but do we go beyond typical and welcome people into the deeper levels of our lives? To be Hospitable, we have to open not only our homes, but our hearts to the ones God puts on our path. Let's go beyond decor, yummy food, and simple conversations-notice I didn't say do without the decor. ;)

Coffee Date Soon? I promise I will do my best to welcome you into my "home" with all "heart".


In His Love,
Jennifer

*Pictures courtesy of Photobucket*

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10 comments:

Dawn said...

Thank you for the scripture references....opening ones heart. Love this!

Jennifer said...

Dawn, thank YOU for stopping by! Hope the verses leave you thirsty for more- I pray that for my life as well. :)

BARBIE said...

Opening my heart for friends. This is something that I hope that I am doing. Nice to meet you!

Jennifer said...

Barbie, I'm so sure that you are an open heart for your friends! It's great to meet you also!

Leanna said...

Jennifer- LOVE this! If you made those cupcakes and the coffee monkey I'm beyond impressed!
You spoke of the small space in your post on my page, remember out at a park with a pinic table can be a wonderful place to be hospitiable. And one-on-one hospitality is often the best kind.
More people often open up in a smaller setting. :o)

Jennifer said...

Leanna, thanks! Unfortunately, I did not make the cupcakes or the coffee. But it's a goal to be able to. :) You are so right. I'm brainstorming creative ways to be hospitable. Thanks for your suggestions. I love parks anyway!

Jadyn said...

I love this - it has been on my mind a lot actually but I've yet to put it into practice. Thanks for the bible verses too, what an important reminder of what it's all about.

Jennifer said...

Thanks, Jadyn, for stopping by! I'm learning how misunderstood hospitality is- it's so much more than we make it. :)

Bonnie Gray said...

This is hospitality that I can do. I just open my heart and see who likes to visit. ;) It's fun meeting people this way because it's clear God brings some to visit once... and some to visit again and again. You are one of those for me at Faith Barista, girl! (I'm thinking about you... and the opportunities that God is preparing for you!)

Jennifer said...

Bonnie, I have grown so much by being a part of the Faith Barista "community". I love reading your heart. It's your hospitality that keeps us coming back. :)...You are so sweet.