Inside-Out Hospitality

Hey guys, it’s been a while. Who missed me? I know some of my readers did. I missed you, too. Talking about my readers, this blog post is inspired by one of this blog’s active followers, whom I affectionately call the Pearly Doctor. She read the previous article, and her feedback was just fantastic. She asked for biblical examples of touch and provided several, which I will share with you.

Dear readers, I appreciate such feedback. Even feedback about how you applied the tips from the blog and how it worked (or didn’t work) for you. I had one recently, such from another faithful reader and sharer, let’s call her The Great. Thank you all. Now to the topic of the day.

In the last article, we discussed using the sense of touch to become better inside-out hosts. Today, we will explore three biblical themes and how we can relate them to our modern-day settings and the darker aspects.

The Welcoming Touch

Father Abraham remains one of my favourites for the way he received the people. You can find the full breakdown of my view of his hospitality on The Hospitality Heroes’ Spotlight. (Genesis 18)

How can you give a personal touch?

I used to think it was a little exaggerated when a guest minister was coming; a delegation would go pick them up from the airport and offer a bouquet of flowers. However, looking back now, I believe it shows honour, and I think it can be extended to our everyday visitors, who are equally valuable.

When I have to travel to a new town and take public transportation, seeing my host waiting for me at the stop is heartwarming and reassuring, especially after a long journey. It’s unfamiliar territory; imagine your battery dies.

Abraham rushed to greet his guests. Don’t think you need to own a car to do this. You just need to be present, waiting to receive your guest at the stop or at the entrance of your home. So much time is lost trying to explain the correct entrance or gate, which could be saved by simply waiting for them.

The same applies to personally seeing them off at the door or entrance, ensuring they get a reliable cab, and checking on them when they reach their destination. In some cases, transport fare will be appreciated (LOL, my university students, am I speaking well?). Help carry their luggage.

We have already discussed the importance of presence. Abraham personally served his guests and watched them eat. So even if you’ve already eaten, keep them company. It is not the time to be doing other things.

The Restorative Touch

Here are 2 beautiful biblical illustrations of the restorative touch shared by the Pearly Doctor.

Jacob and Esau

But Esau ran to meet Jacob and embraced him; he threw his arms around his neck and kissed him. And they wept. Genesis 33:4

Then Esau said, “Let us be on our way; I’ll accompany you. (Genesis 33:12)

The Prodigal Son and Father

So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. Luke 15:20

Have you ever had an awkward meeting with a friend with whom you had a falling out? How about family? Sibling rivalry can be something as well. How about your neighbour? Or an in-law, a spouse? Reconciliation is not easy; you may never be able to return to how things were before, but we can make reconciliation easier by taking the first step.

That first step could be sitting next to them, initiating a conversation, hugging them, or being the first to text to check in. We can’t forgive people and still be ice-cold to them or snub them. You can be the icebreaker. One thing that particularly helps me is that I think about how many times God’s arms are ready to receive me.

Inside-out Takeaway

One thing I take away from this hospitality journey we’re all on is that it doesn’t require much money (or none in some cases) but rather more about intentionality and selflessness.

How will you show hospitality through the sense of touch this week?

Stay connected to the blog so you don’t miss out on our discussion of biblical examples of the flip side of the sense of touch.

If you enjoyed this post, please show your appreciation to the Pearly Doctor by liking, sharing, and commenting.

Here’s to hosting from the inside out