Janelle wrote in to Parent Minute a few weeks ago asking if I’d write about hospitality, asking “How do we model it for our kids?” First, what is it? The definition is “the friendly reception and treatment of guests or strangers.”1 The Bible is FULL of verses talking about it. Hebrews 13:2 says, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers” (ESV). 1 Peter 4:9: “Show hospitality…without grumbling” (ESV). It’s mentioned again in 1 Timothy 5:10. How do we train our kids? By doing it. Invite visitors over for a meal. Do you have a spare room? Offer it regularly. Do you have neighbors from the Middle East? Hospitality is the NORM for them, which opens the doors for sharing the Gospel. And, include your kids in the decision. They’ll start looking for ways to strategize.

1Dictionary.com

Scripture quotations marked (ESV) are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved. May not copy or download more than 500 consecutive verses of the ESV Bible or more than one half of any book of the ESV Bible.

Suggested Reading: Romans 12:13, 1 Timothy 5:10, Hebrews 13:2, 1 Peter 4:9