Hospitality for One Another

By Central Women

Meals are messy. Legitimately messy. Recently I had dinner planned in my home with friends, where children outnumbered the adults. As we made our way into the dining room to a table lit with candles and dishes strategically set with matching plate chargers, I heard a voice from the other room…

“Are you sure you want the children eating spaghetti sauce on your carpet?”

And just like that, the candles were blown out and we made our way to “normal” and very un-fancy kitchen table, with remnants of chunky peanut butter from breakfast, crusted on the table. This is not how I imagined the meal going.

Messy.

Maybe you’ve experienced it. The collateral damage left from opening your home to friends and strangers alike. Cilantro smeared on the floor, Kool-Aid spilled on the carpet, a grease stain on your favorite blouse. Can I get an Amen? And I grumble about it. Shocking, I know. But then I realized something…

All of this is overshadowed by the community and nourishment which comes from being around a table together. When you open your home, you are inviting people to come, messiness and all. They bring the messiness of life, relationships, financial struggles, and more. They are bringing it to you, friend. What an honor you have to sit in the mess with others.

Jesus shared a table with hundreds of people during His ministry: disciples, tax collectors and more.

One messy dinner occurred when Jesus set a table for Peter after the Resurrection. If you recall, Jesus foretold that Peter would deny Jesus three times, (see Matthew 26: 31-35). Peter does in fact deny Him, (Luke 22: 60-62).

Jesus is about to appear to Peter. But first, Jesus prepares a table for Peter, at the beach no less, (that’s how I want to enjoy dinner with my Savoir!) Fish roasting on the fire, fresh baked bread, burning coals to keep them warm. And Jesus speaks.

“Come and have breakfast.”

This is the first time Peter and Jesus have a conversation since Peter’s denial. How fitting that they would sit together and share a meal as they resolve what happened.

During this meal, Jesus actually launches Peter into ministry during this meal. It’s pretty incredible. Read John 21:15-25.

Around 30 years after this messy meal, Peter is now teaching us what he witnessed firsthand from Jesus.

The early church met together and ate. And it’s messy. It’s work, but it is never in vain. Paul commands us to sit together and wait for one another. “Therefore, my brothers and sisters, when you come together to eat, wait for one another.” 1 Corinthians 11:33.

When you sit around the table with others, you offer them (and yourself) a moment of rest. Don’t rush, honor one another by waiting until everyone has gathered. The purpose of gathering around a table together is not just for the physical satisfaction of a meal.

When you share your story of messiness, you set the tone for others to share their stories too. You can share how God works in your messiness and what sin and grace look like.

Suddenly, messy meals don’t look quite so messy. It looks beautiful.

Sharing a meal together is more than the perfectly baked cake, a clean home and fancy dishes or centerpieces.

It is providing a space for the Spirit of God to move in people. Every table setting, cooked meal and washed dish helps others feel loved and welcome, and God’s Spirit begins to move.

Have you ever used excuses to justify not entertaining others in your home? If so, write them down.

When is the last time you opened your home to others?

What two or three things can you do this week, initiate sharing a meal with others?

Let's pray: Father in Heaven, help us be women known for serving one another and others, for being women who open their homes and share meals together. And women who recognize the nourishment, reconciliation and rest that comes from waiting for others so that we may share a meal together. In Jesus’ name we pray, Amen.