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Devotional
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September 05, 2022

A Call to Impartial Hospitality

September 05, 2022 by GINNY LUPKA HOSPITALITY God’s guidance & direction
A Call to Impartial Hospitality
“My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, “You sit here in a good place,” while you say to the poor man, “You stand over there,” or, “Sit down at my feet,” have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts? […] If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself,” you are doing well.”
James 2:1-4, 8

I am currently wrestling with the Holy Spirit about a prompt to have some of my neighbors over for dinner. In my little apartment building, everyone seems to be overwhelmed with sadness, conflict, and hardship. The idea of having them over for dinner sounds like the most awkward dinner party imaginable, and yet, hospitality isn’t about my comfort level, is it? It’s about welcoming people in so that they can experience the impartial, gracious love of Jesus.


I am quick to say that I love practicing hospitality. I love bringing people around my table, hearing their stories, helping them feel welcome and loved, and I love being welcomed to other people’s tables as well. The truth of it is, I like hospitality when I feel comfortable. I like offering up a space to my guests that feels worthy and lovely to me, and I like welcoming in guests that make me feel comfortable. I feel anxious when last-minute guests drop by, and I feel awkward when I have guests over that are very different from me.


You’ll notice in James’ letter that he doesn’t spend a lot of time talking about the importance of feeling comfortable in offering hospitality. Instead, he leans into the heart of hospitality issues – the issue of partiality and class. As Christians, we are not to make distinctions among our guests – they are all equally welcome to our tables because we are all equally welcome to Jesus. Throughout Jesus’ ministry, he consistently reached out to the outcast, the forgotten, the marginalized, the uncomfortable, the awkward, the unloved.


James’ call to impartial, earnest, gracious hospitality is a tall order. It is also entirely counter-cultural. What would it look like for us to trust Jesus with the discomfort and to ask for the ability to see past our judgment and fear? What if we asked Jesus to open our homes and our hearts to the people who need it the most and to equip us to minister to whoever comes into our home? 

Closing Prayer
Dear God, please forgive me of the judgmental parts of my heart that resist offering hospitality. Please forgive me of the times that I am more concerned with comfort, rather than welcome. I am grateful that you welcome us into your kingdom without partiality or distinction. You continue to make space for us at your table, regardless of our backgrounds, class, wealth, talent, or beauty. You see us as inherently beautiful and dignified, and you care for us deeply. Please help me to see my community in this way. Help me to welcome in the guests that you put before me. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Resources
Book: Come and Eat: A Celebration of Love and Grace Around the Everyday Table by Bri McKoy This book is winsome, funny, encouraging, and convicting. Bri is an expert storyteller and her passion for hospitality is enlightening and captivating.
Question for Reflection

Think of a time that you experienced radical hospitality. How did that impact your understanding of Jesus’ consistent offer of radical hospitality during his ministry?

Comments
Ginny Lupka
September 05, 2022

Due to travel mishaps, I once had an unexpected layover overseas and had to reach out to new friends that I barely knew to ask for help. One of the missionary couples I had just met invited me over for dinner and to stay in their guest room overnight. During my time there, I got to accompany them to a Bible study they were leading for new Muslim-background-believers in their community. My time with them was profound, encouraging, convicting, and wonderful. By the end of my stay, I was grateful for my inconvenient layover because I got to experience Jesus at work in their ministry.