Hospitality – It’s Addicting

Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.

1 Peter 4:9

Hospitality seems to be rather anemic in North America. It often amounts to little more than a coffee gathering among friends. It’s more common to see “hospitality” advertised by restaurants, hotels, and resorts that are trying to snag us into staying with them.

The robust hospitality of the Scriptures is not a welcome based on how much cash (or plastic) you have in your wallet to pay for a room or meal. It’s not even confined to people who are “like us.” The hospitality Scripture speaks of is typically focused on people different from ourselves. 

Many of us have a certain fear of strangers. We’re intimidated by people who dress, eat, and talk differently than we do. But biblical hospitality looks beyond differences to see similarities-to recognize others as fellow image bearers of God.  This hospitality is an act of welcoming grace-and therefore participates in the very dynamic of the character of Jesus Christ.

On November 12^th, the Culinary Arts classes went to Project Independence-a program for people with memory loss, dementia, and elderly people with developmental disabilities. The students prepared and served the participants and their families a delicious homemade turkey dinner with all the trimmings. The students took part in music class, served everyone, and had the opportunity to visit with the people they served. 

What a blessing to serve others using the gift of food. It’s easy to say, “I just don’t have time, but a bowl of soup, maybe a small plate of muffins, or maybe a meal to someone is an easy way to show Jesus’ love to others. “

Don’t over think it. Look for small ways to get started. Believe me, it’s addicting to serve others. Teaching students to cook for themself, has taught them to reach out to others through food. What a blessing!

Sue Hendrikse

Foods Instructor