As Christians, hospitality is expected of us (1 Peter 4:9, Romans 12:13).  The Bible teaches that we are to show hospitality to each other (Acts 2:45-47), and also to share our bread (and our homes and lives) with those less fortunate (Isaiah 58:7).  Jesus spent much of his time on earth eating with people, and sharing His life with them.  

As homeschooling families, we have a great opportunity to minister to other Christians, to those who do not know Christ, and to those who haven’t yet begun homeschooling by showing hospitality.  Sharing a simple meal and a bit of our lives with others can make a huge difference in the world. 

When Christians meet together in a home to share a meal, there can be a bond created and fellowship shared that you simply do not get in a church service or other church “program”.  Many of our best times of fellowship, prayer and ministry have come when we’ve decided to get together with a few of our brothers and sisters in Christ to eat and play a game, or just visit.  In this relaxed atmosphere, people are often comfortable enough to share who they really are and what is on their hearts. 

Reaching out to those who do not yet know the Lord can be difficult for some, especially if you are naturally shy, like me.  Somehow, sharing a meal together seems to make it easier to connect.  Food is a subject that everyone has in common!  Since my husband and children are all the “outgoing, don’t know a stranger type”; they have no problem at all meeting new people, and love to invite them home for dinner.  Once they’ve done “the hard part”, cooking and serving a meal for our new guests is a pleasure for me.

Showing hospitality to families who aren’t homeschooling is a great way to gently introduce them to a homeschooling lifestyle.  Many of the public-schooled children who have spent time in our home have asked their parents to let them homeschool, too!  Once they realize how interesting and fun learning at home can be, and see that we don’t have to spend all evening doing “homework”; they are usually all for giving it a try.  Sometimes that makes the parents a little uncomfortable, but many do ask questions about homeschooling, and some even decide to pursue it.  Even if they do not choose to homeschool, they at least have a better understanding of what homeschooling is all about when they spend time with us in our home.

My girls have a heart for hospitality, and I believe it is because we have modeled this for them since they were babies.  Our home has hosted small groups on a weekly basis, held prayer meetings, and seen many, many friends and family dinners and celebrations.   At one time, we had so much hospitality going on, the girls would ask, “Which group is coming tonight?”!  That was a bit much, I have to admit; but the blessings that came from that busy time of opening our home regularly to many people were worth the effort it took.  Now that we are in a much quieter season of ministry, my girls look for other ways to bring people into our home.  One of them will often say, “Let’s invite __________ over for dinner.”  Or, when can we have a party?  They truly do have hospitable hearts!

Hospitality doesn’t have to mean a lot of work or expense, either.  I have found that the simplest of meals is usually well received and enjoyed.   Often I serve a soup and/or a salad, and bread.   In today’s world, where many do not make or have time for home-cooked meals, something as simple as soup and freshly baked bread is a treat.  Setting out sandwich items, chips, dips, and a few cookies or some fresh fruit; requires little or no actual cooking; but makes for a nice, informal meal.  Even inviting people over for tea or coffee and dessert is showing hospitality.

Develop a few standard menus or favorite dishes to serve.  Maybe your family enjoys making bread, cheese, or some other type of food; highlight that and make it the centerpiece of your meal.  Let the children do as much of the menu planning, cooking, serving (and cleaning up, of course), as they are capable of doing.  My girls like to share the things they made “all by themselves” with others, and often compete for the “privilege” of making and serving the coffee or tea!    

I encourage you to cultivate a heart for hospitality with your family.  You will bless others and be blessed when you do. 

For some recipe ideas, stop by my blog and check out the Kitchen Adventures category, many of these dishes were served when we were practicing the art of hospitality!

Blessings,

Catherine

Catherine Love lives in the heart of Texas with her husband Carl, and their 3 daughters, Sarah, Hannah, and Cana.  They enjoy cooking, gardening, and learning new things together as they pursue a lifestyle of learning.  You can read Catherine's Kitchen Adventures and more on her blog (which has a new name)… Seeds of Love.