As Christians we are to use hospitality to build one another up. The priority should be to welcome the guest and develop a friendship; not to impress them. We don't extend hospitality expecting something in return. However, I promise you if you extend hospitality with the right attitude you will impress them. Not with self but with the love of our Lord Jesus that shines through you.
When we have someone new join the group don't leave it up to the Glorious Greeters to make them feel welcome. Visit their sites, email them personally; let them know you want to get to know them.
I know you realize all of this applies outside our computer world. We are very good at making excuses in this area.
Not enough time.
My house isn't nice enough.
I don't have enough money to entertain.
I need to clean first.
And on and on!
Open your heart and your home.
It is usually the women who decide how and to whom their homes are open too.
And there is more to it than entertaining friends and loved ones.
Luke 14:12-14
When though makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbors; lest they also bid thee again, and recompense be made thee. But when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: And thou shalt be blessed: for they cannot recompense thee: for thou shall be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.
Examples
Missionaries or ministry workers
Mentor a younger women
Be a model for hospitality to her
Make your home a place for witnessing & Bible study.
Foster a child or neighborhood children
Someone in need of nurturing
They may be looking for a refuge.
Welcome new people to the community.
Hospitality
The practice of entertaining visitors with kindness and courtesy.
I have failed at this over the last 12 years and I am slowly trying to regain what Iloved to do. When we moved to Missouri in 1985 it was to a house with no water and very litle electricity. Even now it needs siding, a roof, and we're never sure when we will have water and when we won't. But I have what I always wanted. A home of my own, a husband, healthy chldren and grandchildren, and food on our table every day.
Then one day careless words by someone I thought was a friend made me self concsious to invite people into my home. When we moved here we moved down in the way of material things in our lives. This friend and her family had been to visit several times. Then once she said she didn't want to come because it was boring and uncomfortable. It wasn't that we didn't make them feel welcome. It was we didn't have as nice a place as we use to, we didn't have the money to go and do things like we use to do. We grilled hamburgers instead of going out for steaks. We played cards and scrabble and visited instead of going places that cost. What her words did to me still lingers inside. Afraid of what people might think, so no invitations go out, don't volunteer to have church missionaries over to dinner, etc.
I'm not exaggerating when I say most people would tear down the house we live in, but it is our HOME and if I can live in it everyday then they should be able to visit in it for a short time. With the Lord's help I will get over this obstacle in my walk with Him and have my home open to all who want to enter in. I will no longer make any excuses for the run down condition of our house. For those who go by quickly see an old house, but those who enter in will see our home. Hospitality is not meant for showing off but for sharing yourself and your love with others. It's a chance to develop new and old relationships. My real failure in this area over the past several years is thinking of myself and not the needs of others. What a blessing I have missed by not opening my home to all, but only to a select few.
I have come to realize I am rich though I have nothing!
If you ever come to visit me,
I hope that what you'll find,
Is a door that's opened wide
And all the love you need inside!
Open yourself up to those around you.
Greet you one another with a kiss of charity.
I Peter 5:14
