Inside-Out Hospitality

🎶 I use my eyes to see, see, see. I use my ears to hear. I use my hands to touch, touch, touch. I use my nose to smell. I use my mouth to chew, chew, chew, and taste what’s on my plate! 🎶

If you have toddlers, you’ve probably heard this Cocomelon song more times than you can count! I know I have. But as repetitive as it is, it beautifully reminds us that God designed our five senses with intention—and they play a powerful role in Christian hospitality.

As believers, we are even more blessed because we operate with a sixth sense—the Holy Spirit. You’ll notice Him woven through every article in this series because He is the glue that holds genuine hospitality together.

How our home looks, the atmosphere we create, and even how we see our guests all influence how welcome they feel. But Christian hospitality is never about impressing people—it’s about revealing Christ through love, order, and intentional care.

I’m excited to officially begin this series on The 6 Senses of Hospitality. Are you ready? Let’s start with Sight.

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Seeing Hospitality Through God’s Eyes

First impressions matter—and God, our ultimate Host, understood this well. Before inviting humanity in, He carefully prepared the earth. When Adam and Eve opened their eyes for the first time, they saw beauty, order, colour, and intentional design—all pointing to God’s glory.

“For since the creation of the world God’s invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature—have been clearly seen…”
(Romans 1:20, NLT)

Your home doesn’t need to be Pinterest-perfect to practice hospitality, but visual order and intentionality help people feel at ease. A cluttered, dirty space can be distracting for both guests and hosts, while a clean, well-lit environment conveys peace and care.

Let’s look at three areas where sight plays a role in Christian hospitality.

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1. The Host: Presenting Yourself Well

“A cheerful heart is good medicine…”
(Proverbs 17:22, NLT)

• A warm smile immediately communicates welcome.
• Dressing modestly and cleanly shows respect for your guests.
• Eye contact, gentle facial expressions, and attentiveness matter.
• Learn to read visual cues—someone fidgeting may need water, rest, or reassurance.

Hospitality starts with how we see and respond to people, not just what we serve them.

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2. The Space: Creating a Visually Welcoming Home

“But be sure that everything is done properly and in order.”
(1 Corinthians 14:40, NLT)

Simple, practical ways to appeal to sight:

• Declutter & clean: Have daily, weekly, and monthly routines. Also, create a 5-minute reset for surprise guests (don’t forget the toilet and yard!).
• Décor: Less is more. Use simple centrepieces, cohesive colours, and meaningful wall art.
• Lighting: Open the curtains! Natural light changes everything. For overnight guests, bedside lamps add comfort.
• Food presentation: You don’t need luxury—just intention. Avoid overcrowded plates.
• Labels: I personally label my toilet so guests know exactly where to go—no awkward wandering.

I once visited a church and nearly gave my life to Christ again—in the toilet. Not because it was pristine or flowery, but because of the Scripture on the door. I’ve seen the same in my in-laws’ home—Christian stickers in the bathroom quietly ministering faith.

Naturally… I copied the wisdom into my own home.
I ordered Christian stickers and placed them strategically around my home. If you’d like framed Bible verses for your home, comment “I want”, and I’ll gladly connect you.

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3. The Guest: Looking Beyond the Surface

“Man looks at the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart.”
(1 Samuel 16:7)

This is where the sixth sense—the Holy Spirit—comes in.

Someone may say they’re “fine,” but the Spirit reveals otherwise. Jesus modelled this beautifully with the woman at the well (John 4) and Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1–10).

Christian hospitality requires sensitivity—seeing what words don’t say. Don’t rush off after church. Don’t eat lunch distracted. Pay attention to moods, silence, and emotional cues. Often, people are screaming quietly.

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Conclusion: Let Your Hospitality Be Seen for God’s Glory

This is not permission to delay hospitality until your house is spotless.
Yes—even toddler mamas with messy homes can practice hospitality.

Your home is not a museum. A lived-in house should look lived in. The goal is not perfection—it’s God’s glory.

“Let your good deeds shine out for all to see, so that everyone will praise your heavenly Father.”
(Matthew 5:16, NLT)

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Did you enjoy this article? Please like and share
In the comments, tell us:

• What do you already do to appeal to the sense of sight for your guests?
• Or what do you plan to implement after reading this?

Next up: The Sound of Hospitality
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Here’s to hosting from the inside out.