Did you know that the pineapple is the symbol of hospitality? In the 17th century, trade routes between America and the Caribbean Islands were often slow and perilous. It was a significant (and expensive) achievement for a host to procure a ripe pineapple for their guests. Due to its exotic qualities and rareness, it was used as a symbol of goodwill and was put on display in homes where the hosts wanted people to know they would go “above and beyond” to make you feel welcome. While the pineapple has fallen out of fashion as an exotic and pricey luxury, hospitality has not. Now I do know some people who naturally reach out to others, look for needs to meet, and are always working to make people feel welcome and included. However, many have been affected in this post-Covid era with an isolationist mentality which has caused them to be uninterested, unaware, and un-involved in the biblically exhorted ministry of hospitality.

I recognize that we don’t always want to (or are able) have people in our homes. We live in an era where there is a newfound fear of disease and a crutch-like dependence on electronic communication. We would rather send a text than talk in person. Close contact with others is discouraged by our government, but it is still what people need. Hospitality is really more than having someone over for a meal. It is an attitude which tells people around you that you are friendly, that you desire a connection with them, that you are proactively looking out for their needs, and that they can come to trust and depend upon you. While some are more gifted at having a mindset of hospitality than others, we are all supposed to be involved. Here are some thoughts to evaluate your own hospitality ministry with others:

More than a Mandate - 1 Peter 4:9 tells us to “Use hospitality one to another without grudging.” Note that we are to offer hospitality to one another “without grudging”. Therefore, (as with all things we do for the Lord), it’s not just the action that God is concerned with – it is the attitude of our heart. So many times we view the mandates of Scripture as if God will be happy just because we force ourselves to do them. However, if you open your home, invite people in, and take care of people’s needs just because it is your duty, or you might feel guilty if you don’t, then you aren’t doing it for the right reasons (remember 1 Corinthians 13:1?).

Motivated by Love - Hospitality is something that is supposed to be expressed from the heart. That is why the statement in 1 Peter 4:9 follows this: “Above all things have fervent charity among yourselves: for charity shall cover the multitude of sins.” Charity is the old word used for a love expressed toward others. Too often we find ourselves so self-absorbed and bogged down with our own problems that we find ourselves pursuing that which will make us happy first. This is the epitome of self-love. Selfless love is actively getting to know others, what their needs and problems are, and finding ways to express your love and care for them. When we have a selfless love, our hospitality flows from it (and BTW people can see the difference).

Meeting Needs – Another passage that speaks of hospitality is Romans 12:13 where we are told to be “distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.” Here we see that hospitality is supposed to have a tangible effect on those to whom we are ministering. Everyone has needs of some kind. Hospitality is designed to be a way to show love, caring and concern with something more than words like “I’ll be praying for you.” Our hospitality should be there to meet the needs of other believers.

Meant for Everyone - Perhaps the hardest thing about hospitality is coming to terms with who we are supposed to help. Romans 12:14 echoes the words of Christ with a difficult message for us to put into action – “Bless them which persecute you: bless, and curse not.” It’s easy to be hospitable to those with whom we have things in common, who share the same interests with us, or who are appreciative, positive and joyful. What about those who are as abrasive as sandpaper and prickly as a porcupine? What about those who only have things to complain about and always seem to bring you down? What about those who actively “persecute” you in some way? That is when true hospitality is put to the test. We are to actively look for ways to give even to those who are actively looking to take from us.

So, don’t let the post-Covid mindset affect your hospitality. People’s needs have not changed (even for those who believe they can do it alone). We need each other. As Christians, we are called to hospitality. Loving others in this way is a pure demonstration of our love for God, is a key way in which the church remains strong, and can often be a gateway for finding blessing and joy in your own life as well. So, you might not put a pineapple on display as a symbol of hospitality anymore – but your love of Christ should be on display all the time and be demonstrated through your hospitality toward others.