Inside-Out Hospitality

Biblical hospitality is not meant to drain us—it is intended to flow from intimacy with Christ. In John 12:1–3, we meet Martha again, this time not as the overwhelmed host but as a woman who has learned how to serve from a place of rest and revelation. In this second episode of Hospitality Heroes’ Spotlight, we revisit Martha’s journey and discover how inside-out hospitality is refined when service is anchored in worship, obedience, and love rather than pressure and comparison.

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Host:
Welcome back from the break, dear readers! Our lovely Martha of Bethany is still with us. Before the break, she shared her heartfelt journey of serving Jesus Himself—and how she moved from distraction and frustration to a more balanced expression of Christian hospitality, where service and fellowship meet.

Martha is the first guest on Hospitality Heroes’ Spotlight to have two full episodes, because her story is just too rich and too relatable to fit into one. Many of us see ourselves in her—busy, well-intentioned, but sometimes overwhelmed.

Despite her packed schedule, she graciously made time to stay with us. Martha, once again, thank you and welcome back.

Martha:
Thank you. It’s truly a privilege to be here.

Host:
Let’s dive right in. Based on your experience, why do you think many of us become worried, upset, or distracted in hospitality—as described in Luke 10:41–42? What pulls us away from the “one thing” that truly matters?

Martha:
From my not-so-little experience, I can narrow it down to one central issue: when hospitality becomes about us.

When we want everything perfect so people will applaud us—or so they won’t judge us. Messy house. Simple food. Limited budget. When we start comparing our hospitality with others, pressure creeps in.

I remember a season when we hosted house meetings. Each time it was my turn to host, I felt compelled to outdo the previous host. That mindset pushed me over budget and made everyone around me uncomfortable with unnecessary stress and workload.

Host (laughing):
I can already imagine Mary’s face
That reminds me of this verse:

“Better a dry crust eaten in peace than a house filled with feasting—and conflict.”
— Proverbs 17:1

Martha:
Exactly! What’s the point of a big feast if there’s tension at home?

I also remember you writing about this in your post “Hospitality Begins at Home.” That really resonated with me. Jesus helped me realise that hospitality isn’t just about food—and we don’t have to be enslaved by it.

Jesus says He is the Bread of Life (John 6:35). The real question is: Have we invited Jesus to the table? Better yet—have we made Him the menu?

I’m not saying we should stop cooking ndolé or fried rice. But are we thinking intentionally about how Jesus is revealed through our hospitality? When the focus shifts from us to Him, the pressure lifts.

Host:
Whew! “Making Jesus the menu” — not a side dish tucked in the corner somewhere. That will preach!
And yes, for those wondering, ndolé is a Cameroonian delicacy… which just happens to be what I cooked today (winks at Martha).

Beyond the apparent frustration in your story, what other signs indicate we may be losing balance in hospitality?

Martha:
Grumbling is a big one—and we touched on that earlier. Another sign is becoming easily irritable.

Also, when hosting—or even serving in church—starts replacing your quiet time with Jesus, that’s a red flag. And finally, when tasks matter more than people. That one was especially hard for me, because I always wanted things done just right.

Host:
That’s so important. Our quiet time with Jesus is where we draw grace, wisdom, and strength for hospitality.

So, Martha, as we wrap up, what practical tips can help us find balance and practice hospitality without burnout?

Martha:
It starts with fellowship—with Jesus first, and then with people. That means minimising distractions, like phones, and practising active listening.

I’ve also learned that less is more. Keep things simple. Convenience is not laziness—it’s wisdom. I now prepare meals and store food in advance. That way, when unexpected guests come, service is quicker, and I have more time for connection.

A verse that anchors me is Philippians 4:6-7—it reminds me that I can pray about everything, including hospitality, and receive God’s peace.

Host:
Amen. Even hospitality belongs in the “everything” we bring before God in prayer.

Martha, thank you for sharing so generously with us. This has been rich, practical, and deeply freeing.

Martha:
The pleasure is all mine.

Host:
To our readers, thank you for staying with us. I personally took away the power of active listening and the reminder that less is more in Christian hospitality. We’ll definitely unpack those more on the blog, so don’t forget to subscribe.

If Martha’s story blessed you, please like, share, and leave a comment so others can be encouraged, too.

Here’s to hosting from the Inside-Out!

PS: This is a creative reflection inspired by Scripture and not a literal retelling of biblical events.