“Hospitality is not to change people, but to offer them space where change can take place. It is not to bring men and women over to our side, but to offer freedom not disturbed by dividing lines.”
― Henri J.M. Nouwen
Hospitality is the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers.
– Dictionary.com
GRACE AS HOSPITALITY
Hospitality saved my life. Before I had any idea who Jesus was, or what He came to earth to accomplish, I was invited into the home of a high school friend and given space where I was loved. That was where I first heard the gospel and received Jesus as my Savior in 1972. While I was in the
Navy (1975-1977), the hospitality that I received from the ministry Cadence International, first in Yokosuka, Japan, and then in Subic Bay, Philippines, would direct my entire life. Although it was God’s grace, through the work of Jesus Christ that saved me, I learned about that grace in the context of hospitality.
After being shown such extravagant, life-changing hospitality, we joined Cadence International in 1982 with a deep desire to show that hospitality to others. For the last forty years, God has allowed us to open our homes and show hospitality to thousands of young men and women who were away from home and needed a meal, a hug, or a space to think, relax, reflect, and pray.
RECEIVING GRACE
Debbie and I have been traveling for the last 11 weeks and we have been on the receiving end of hospitality. It has been deeply encouraging. As we have traveled through California, Arizona, New Mexico, Texas, Louisiana, and now in Georgia, people have welcomed us into their hearts and lives. Often, we were invited into their homes for meals, and when their homes were not practical, we shared our lives in a variety of restaurants over breakfast, lunch, and dinner. We have received encouragement, care, and spiritual guidance. We have received some very touching gifts: a Christmas ornament in the likeness of a green alien from Roswell, New Mexico; a ball cap from Texas A & M where a colleague works; snacks and some cash. All of which have made us laugh and cry with gratitude.
We are spending an unexpected week in La Grange, Georgia. Overnight temperatures are in
Our trailer with protectivre hay.
the teens, and we needed someplace to park our trailer to protect it from the cold. In addition, our truck, which has worked very well, needed some repairs which could also be accomplished in La Grange. While we are here, Phillip and Kim, former army officers we met in 1990, have let us stay with them on their small farm. They let us park our trailer in their driveway, which is protected by bales of hay, and sleep in the big warm house. They have also offered us dinner every night, and they like our two big dogs. And best of all, they have offered us a lot of love and Christian fellowship. It is such a blessing to be here.
GOD’S GRACE IS NOT “DESERVED”
Although we are physically very comfortable, psychologically it is uncomfortable for me to be on the receiving end of this generosity. When I was younger, it was easy because I had no idea of the real cost of showing hospitality. However, now I know that our being here is making their life more difficult in many ways, and although we are doing our best to be helpful and stay out of their way, I know having us around is making their lives more complicated.
Kim & Phillip
This is true of all the people we have seen. All of them have gone out of their way to show us very generous hospitality. Some have said we should relax and enjoy the gifts, that because of all the hospitality we have shown we deserve to be on the receiving end. I know that is not true. We do NOT deserve such kindness. But I also know that the kindness that we are being shown reflects the kindness God has shown to us. We do NOT deserve the salvation that God offers us in Jesus (Ephesians 2:8-9). I also know, on a deep level, that my discomfort with receiving hospitality is an indication that I am also uncomfortable with God’s grace as well.
This is what makes Christianity unique: grace. To be a Christian is to admit that you don’t deserve the most extravagant gift in human history, the gift of salvation through Jesus Christ. As Debbie and I are on this epic journey across the country God is teaching me about grace. I think that is a lesson I will be learning until God takes me home.
I pray that today, you will have the privilege of offering or receiving hospitality. I also pray you will always know that the gift of hospitality reflects a God who is rich in grace.
