The Sacred Art of Hospitality: Making Room at the Table

Opening your home to others can feel daunting—especially in today's world, where we're comfortably nestled on our couches, connecting through screens rather than across tables. It’s easy to convince ourselves that this is enough. And while technology is a powerful tool for spreading the Gospel—after all, you're reading this on a blog, aren’t you?—it was never meant to replace face-to-face connection.

God has called us to something deeper. He has called us to touch, to see, to feel, and to enter into the lives of others. Scripture reminds us that we are to be on the front lines, present with His people:

“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”— Galatians 6:2 (NIV)

Jesus didn’t stay at a distance. He walked among the people, healed with His hands, wept with the grieving, and ate with sinners. We are literally commissioned by Christ to:

“Go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.”— Matthew 28:19 (NIV)

That means being willing to step outside our comfort zones and open our doors—and our hearts.

Why We Resist (and Why We Shouldn't)

Let’s be honest: in today’s culture of busyness, opening our homes can feel overwhelming. We’re juggling packed schedules and often retreat to the comfort of our own little worlds. The idea of preparing a home-cooked meal for guests may seem like a luxury we can’t afford—time-wise, energy-wise, or even financially.

I get it. When I first started practicing hospitality, I was terrified. I grew up in a home that always had guests at the table, but somehow, doing it in my own home felt more vulnerable. It was my mess, my kids, my cooking skills on display. I’m far from perfect, and I still cringe at times when the food is a little burnt or I went too far trying to impress.

But here’s the beautiful truth I’ve learned: when people feel seen, heard, and welcomed, they don't care if the pizza is a little overcooked or the broccoli is still crunchy. God’s grace shows up in those moments—He is present at the table, using our imperfect offerings to draw people closer to Him.

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms... If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ.”— 1 Peter 4:10–11 (NIV)

Simple Steps for a Lifestyle of Hospitality

Over the years, I’ve found a few practices that have helped me make hospitality not just an occasional gesture, but a rhythm of life. I want to share them with you—not as a checklist, but as an encouragement that this is doable, and it's so worth it.

1. Have a Rotation

Take the guesswork out of cooking by creating a meal rotation. In our house, Friday nights are homemade sourdough cheese pizza nights. If I know in advance you're coming, you might get toppings, too! And yes—if you come on another Friday, you’ll likely be served the same thing. No one has complained. People come for the community, not the cuisine.

“They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising

God and enjoying the favor of all the people.”— Acts 2:46–47 (NIV)

2. Cook with Margin

I learned this from a friend in Louisiana: always cook a little more than you need. That way, if someone stops by unexpectedly, you’re ready to set an extra place at the table. It’s a simple habit that turns a regular meal into a welcoming space for whoever God might send your way.

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”— Hebrews 13:2 (NIV)

3. Make Family Meals a Priority

We’ve lost a lot in our fast-paced culture, and regular family meals are one of them. But they’re worth fighting for. Not only does this habit ground your family, it also makes it easy to invite others into your daily rhythm. I get that kid’s busy sport schedules or adult busy work schedules can get in the way — but whenever you can, make sitting down at the table together a priority. Studies show that families who eat together regularly experience lower rates of depression and loneliness. Let’s reclaim this sacred tradition.

“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”— Romans 12:10, 13 (ESV)

Come As You Are

Hospitality doesn’t have to be Pinterest-perfect. It just has to be real. The table isn’t about performance—it’s about presence. About making room for others. About saying with your actions, “You are welcome here.”

So whether your meal is a slow-roasted stew or store-bought rotisserie chicken, whether your house is spotless or a little messy—don’t let perfectionism rob you of connection.

“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”— 1 Peter 4:9 (NIV)

Open your home. Set the table. Break the bread.

You never know how God might use your simple “yes” to change a life—maybe even your own.

Questions for reflection:

• What are five easy meals you could make on a rotation?

• How have you already been showing hospitality to others around you?

• What is one way you could push yourself this week to show a little more hospitality?