Spiritual Gift: Hospitality

WHAT IS The Gift of HOSPITALITY?

The gift of hospitality is the special ability that God gives to certain members of the Body of Christ to provide an open house and a warm welcome to those in need of food and lodging.

SCRIPTURE REFERENCES FOR this Gift

Tap each verse to read it. Unless otherwise noted, all scriptures are in the English Standard Version.

ACTS 16:14-15

One who heard us was a woman named Lydia, from the city of Thyatira, a seller of purple goods, who was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to pay attention to what was said by Paul. ¹⁵And after she was baptized, and her household as well, she urged us, saying, “If you have judged me to be faithful to the Lord, come to my house and stay.” And she prevailed upon us.

ROMANS 12:9-13

Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. ¹⁰Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor. ¹¹Do not be slothful in zeal, be fervent in spirit, serve the Lord. ¹²Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer. ¹³Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.

ROMANS 16:23

Gaius, who is host to me and to the whole church, greets you. Erastus, the city treasurer, and our brother Quartus, greet you.

HEBREWS 13:1-2

Let brotherly love continue. ²Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.

1 PETER 4:9

Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.

IN THE GREEK

PHILOXENOS

Strong's Number: 5382
Given to hospitality, generosity towards guests, love towards strangers.

SUGGESTED POTENTIAL STRENGTHS & CHARACTERISTICS OF THIS GIFT

Enjoys making others feel welcome and comfortable.
Enjoys contributing to the needs of the saints; finds fulfillment in meeting their needs (Romans 12:13).
Willingly provides for the welfare of those who cannot repay them (Luke 14:12-14).
Has a home others enjoy spending time in and that often serves as a place of ministry.
Loves opening and sharing his or her home or space without the need for others to do the same for them.
Not afraid to extend hospitality to strangers (Hebrews 13:1-2).
Feels the need to connect people together in a comfortable and unified environment.
Tendency to be a peacemaker.

SUGGESTED POTENTIAL WEAKNESSES & WARNINGS OF THIS GIFT

May miss the opportunity for spiritual experiences because of hosting obligations.
May see other’s natural reserve as “unfriendly.”
Family members may suffer or feel neglected.
May host for personal esteem or gain.
Hospitality and good-naturedness can be manipulated or exploited by others.
May enable others to avoid personal responsibilities by providing meals, lodging, etc. for extended periods of time without regard to the Lord’s purposes in their life.
May grumble if they do not feel they receive sufficient help or recognition.
Sacrificial living may be required to help meet the needs of others.

SUGGESTED WAYS TO SERVE BASED ON THIS GIFT

Special Event Coordinator
Meal Coordinator
Meals & Lodging
Hospitality Team
Building Housekeeping
Building Decoration

Greeter
Information Booth Coordinator
New Visitor Follow-up
Small Group Leader
Home Bible Study Leader
Men's/Women's Ministries

GOOD BIBLICAL EXAMPLES

LYDIA & MARTHA

RETURN TO FULL GIFT LISTING