The Gift of Hospitality


True confession! I have worked at St. Martin’s for a long time, almost 20 years, and in those 20 years, I never stopped to think about for whom our Lydia’s Guild Ministry is named. St. Lydia, an early Christian convert, used her gift of hospitality to welcome Paul and his companions into her home. Lydia lived in Philippi (modern-day Macedonia) in the first century when she met Paul and his traveling companions. As she stood and listened to Paul, “the Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. ’If you consider me a believer in the Lord,’ she said, “’ come and stay at my house.’”[1]


While hospitality is not specifically considered a spiritual gift, such as mercy, teaching or service, it is mentioned in the Bible several times. The Greek word for hospitality is philoxenia, which literally means to love strangers, a theme that is central to our Christian faith. Especially beautiful is the verse from Hebrews 13:2, “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”[2]


We all know people for whom the gift of hospitality seems second nature. My 5’2” always smiling, ‘energizer bunny’ mother was seemingly born with this gift. She opened her home countless times for events as my brothers and I grew up; friends were invited to stay for supper or they were given a place to stay if they were travelling. Opening her home and sharing that special place with others gave her immense joy, almost as much joy as her grandchildren!


Providing warmth, comfort and a genuine sense of caring for friends, family and strangers is a gift we all have – you are most likely practicing this gift without even knowing it. The next time you are in line for cookies at Crumbl, Insomnia or Tiff’s Treats (to name a few favorites), consider giving a cookie to the stranger behind you. Not only will you surprise and delight that stranger, but you will discover that showing hospitality is much easier than you may have thought, and you may make a new friend!


[1] Acts 16:14-15 New International Version (NIV)

[2] Hebrews 13:2 New International Version (NIV)

Kathy K. Johnson
Director of Membership
If you would like to reply to this devotional, please email
Kathy Johnson at kjohnson@smec.org.