Spiritual gifts
The Gift of Hospitality
Making room for people in Christ's name
The gift of hospitality is a Spirit-given ability to welcome people, including strangers, with meals, conversation, and practical care. Paul's gift lists don't name it, though Peter commands hospitality in the same breath as his teaching on gifts (1 Peter 4:9-10).
“Show hospitality to one another without complaining. As good stewards of the manifold grace of God, each of you should use whatever gift he has received to serve one another.”
What it is
A new family visits church, and before the last song ends, someone has already decided to ask them to lunch. Their table always has room for one more. The Greek word for hospitality in Romans 12:13 and Hebrews 13:2, philoxenia, joins the words for love and stranger, so it reaches past your friends to people you don't know yet.
Romans 12:13 tells every believer to practice hospitality, and some Christians find they have a particular grace for it. It serves the church whether the meal is a roast or frozen pizza on paper plates.
Where Scripture shows it
Abraham ran to meet three strangers and hurried to have a meal prepared for them (Genesis 18:1-8). Lydia urged Paul and his companions to stay at her house (Acts 16:15), and Gaius hosted Paul "and all the church" (Romans 16:23).
Jesus told a host to invite "the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind" because they can't repay (Luke 14:13-14). Martha welcomed Jesus into her home and then became "distracted by all the preparations" and complained, and Jesus pointed her to what Mary had chosen (Luke 10:38-42).
What it can look like
- You notice who has nowhere to go after church.
- Your home is where the small group meets, and you've stopped worrying about the dog hair.
- You ask international students or new neighbors over for a holiday meal.
- You keep a spare room or couch ready for missionaries or someone in a hard season.
What to watch for
- Turning hospitality into entertaining, where you're mostly trying to impress people.
- Inviting only people who will invite you back (Luke 14:12).
- Complaining or keeping score, which Peter warns against (1 Peter 4:9).
- Wearing out your family by hosting more than they can manage.
Ways to serve with it
- Invite one person or family from church for a meal this month.
- Serve on your church's greeting or welcome team.
- Host a small group or Bible study in your home.
- Save a seat for a newcomer at the next church meal, and sit with them.
Related gifts
Holy habits that fit this gift
These practices can help you steward this gift over time.
Frequently asked questions
Is hospitality a spiritual gift?
Paul's lists in Romans 12 and 1 Corinthians 12 don't name it. Many Christians still count it as one, since Peter puts it right beside his teaching on gifts (1 Peter 4:9-10) and some people clearly have an unusual joy in it.
Do you need a nice home to have the gift of hospitality?
No. Plenty of good hospitality happens in studio apartments and at picnic tables. If your place is small, invite one person, or meet at a coffee shop and pick up the check.
How do I know if I have the gift of hospitality?
Have people over a few times. If it leaves you tired but glad, and guests seem at ease, pay attention to that. People with this gift also tend to know who's going to be alone at Thanksgiving.
Take the free Spiritual Gifts Test
Answer questions about how you like to serve, and see which gifts your answers point toward. It takes about 6-7 minutes, and no email is required.
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