JESUS REPEATEDLY DISPLAYS HOSPITALITY AND
SHOWS US THE IMPORTANCE OF ALLOWING
OUTSIDERS TO EXPERIENCE GOD’S HOSPITALITY…
In the early days, it felt like we
were living in a fishbowl from which
there was no escape. It was here
that we learnt the importance of
eating together with other believers.
Through the sharing of a weekly
meal I experienced the hospitality
of my team mates, which created
a precious community and the
inspiration for mission. With this
encouragement I felt empowered
to offer hospitality to my new Thai
friends.
Years later, as we prepared to return
to Australia, one of our good friends
wanted to farewell us with a string tying
ceremony and meal. This involved the
village shaman leading a ceremony
where our wrists were tied with string
which is believed to bring good luck. We
had many questions; if we attend, were
we affirming their Buddhist beliefs?
Were we staying true to our faith? What
would our supporters think?! Yet, if we
didn’t show up, would our friend be
offended? Would it create a barrier for
her to meet Jesus? How could we tell
her that she couldn’t say goodbye to us
the only way she knew how?
This is one example of the risks
involved in showing hospitality to
those who are yet to meet Jesus. After
discussing it with our team and praying
about it, we decided to follow the
example of Jesus by meeting people
where they were at, not judging them
for their actions, and breaking down
the barriers that prevent hospitality,
community and mission.
Since returning from Thailand I have
found it difficult to be intentional about
eating with others because Aussie
culture is so individual and private.
However, I jumped at the chance to be
involved in our church’s new ministry
called Grace Community Kitchen. Once
a fortnight we have a community meal
where everyone is welcome – and the
church and community have responded!
I intentionally sit and eat with someone
from the community I do not know.
Through hospitality, community is being
built, barriers are breaking down and
people are meeting Jesus!
How do you practice Table
Spiritualit y? If you’re a regular
reader you might remember
last year’s issue on mindfulness
– look it up online, it’s a great
place to start. When you eat,
pay attention, be thankful
for the gift of food, consider
what opportunities this meal
presents for building hospitality,
community and mission and
then have the courage to act.
Also check out Simon Holt’s
book Eating Heaven: Spirituality
at the Table and Michael Frost’s
ebook The 5 Habits of Highly
Missional People.
resonate · issue 29 · page 5