Lawrence Neisent

Pursue the practice of hospitality (Part 2)

At Destiny we have started putting a lot of focus on ministry that is born from the heart and from the home, centered on a meal. All of our tables look very different but one thing in common they are centrally located in the very heart of the home. A meal at a restaurant is good but it really is true that “Home is where the heart is”.
There is a spiritual side to the practical:
Part of this process involves more than practical tips but mutual submission in pursuit of God’s supernatural help. It’s when we dwell together in unity that God’s anointing and blessing is released (Ps 133). Paul writes about the impartation of supernatural gifts and abilities as part of a unified effort to pursue the plans of God together.
Rom 1:11-12 I long to see you so that I may impart to you some spiritual gift to make you strong— 12 that is, that you and I may be mutually encouraged by each other’s faith. NIV
There is a practical side to that which is spiritual:
1. When spending time with others practice being interested rather than trying to be interesting.
2. Pray for those you will be hosting by name asking God for wisdom to have healthy and edifying discussion.
3. If everybody at your table is a believer a great question is simply, “How did you meet the Lord?”
If not everybody is a believer then deeper questions could be things like:
1. When, where and what was your strongest experience of community (belonging)?
2. What is the earliest spiritual experience you remember?
The heart of hospitality is about creating space for someone to feel seen, heard and cared for.
Don’t get caught up in the comparison trap. “You think your house is small, but to the lonely heart, it is a castle. You think the living room is a mess, but to the person whose life is a mess, your house is a sanctuary. You think the meal is simple, but to those who eat alone every night, pork and beans on paper plates tastes like filet mignon.” Max Lucado.
This is not about tasting food. This is about Ps 34:8 ‘Taste and see that the Lord is good!’
God is love so the presence of God is the presence of love and that will change any willing person's heart.
Lawrence Neisent