Learning hospitality. As we move across the world and enter new cultures.
Not just when I’m opening my home to others. But when they open theirs to me.
I see this in the Master’s instructions to His disciples. As they’re sent out two by two. Traveling to towns and villages. Sharing the good news of the Kingdom of God.
“When you enter any town, and they welcome you, eat the things set before you.” (Luke 10:8)
Learning hospitality
Not “eat before you go, so you can politely refuse their food.” Not “bring your own lunch, because it will probably taste better.”
But eat what is offered to you.
A simple principle. But it says a lot to those whose homes we enter. For their kindness to be received. With gratefulness.
Learning hospitality.
Simple act of faith
It’s not always easy to serve others in this way. Crossing cultures and eating whatever food they offer. Without complaint.
Not pining for or feeling entitled to our own type of cuisine or style of cooking. Not calculating fat content or calories or lack thereof. Not turning up our noses.
Sometimes our own aversions take us by surprise when the food or the way it’s eaten is new and different.
But guess what? The Lord blesses and encourages when we take this simple act of faith.
Learning and receiving hospitality in the places where we serve.
Hospitable
On afternoons, even in the simplest homes, the hospitable people of the first culture we entered taught me. They immediately provided tea for the welcomed guest. Always.
When food was prepared for us, I remember thinking, “I will never get used to these local dishes. These spices.” Or “these sweets are too sweet for me!”
But seeking to graciously receive it—and eat it—made a difference.
Years later, I miss these friends and their kindness. And we’ve searched for restaurants—in other countries and our home country—serving that very food. With its particular flavors.
Now I smile when there’s another opportunity to partake of those sweets and their deliciousness.
By faith
It’s true. The greatest problem in the world is lostness. And the only solution is the gospel.
So we enter cultures and countries. Homes and communities. In cities, towns, and villages.
And as we go, we’re learning to receive. By faith. Hospitality offered. In new ways and varied places. Among differing peoples.
By faith, our lives are changed. Even as we share the words of life that can change their eternity.
Eating what is offered.
And sharing the bread of life.
What about you?
How has He helped you learn this principle as you’ve lived or volunteered in a different country? What have you learned about hospitality from another culture?
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10 replies on “Learning hospitality”
Good observations. Meeting and inviting internationals into my home here in Tennessee has been a bit frustrating. They obviously don’t like my food and only want to eat theirs. Which makes it difficult for me to have them over for meals. I like eating their food though!
I’m sure they love being invited into your home, though. Even if just for tea and a snack. Do they cook? Maybe they can show you how to make a dish from their country. I remember finding out that Italian pasta dishes crossed cultures better because there were Italian restaurants where they came from. However, the sauce needed to be a little spicier with little or no cheese added. 🙂
Susan, I just sent this to the mother-daughter team traveling with me to NY in September. This afternoon, in our first team meeting, we talked about this very thing — being invited into the homes of Arab friends in NY. Eating what they serve. Graciously. Thank you for sending this at the right time for us … to help us prepare with the right frame of mind & for the right purpose.
And for me, personally…. through the years of being welcomed into the homes of int’l friends (drinking tea, eating dates, drinking tea, eating couscous, etc. etc. etc., I’ve learned that if MY own level of hospitality were graded, I would make an F minus. Folks from other cultures have SO much to teach us.
Thank you for sharing, sister. I’m so glad this is helpful! May this be an encouraging and fruitful trip to NY.
Hi Susan. Always enjoy reading your columns. I’ve been blessed to be invited to share many meals in homes of people around the world. Two events come to mind – first in Japan where I first ate sushi in the home of a couple we were visiting with some of our personnel. Oh my – I’m not a sushi eater but I did learn if you put enough green wasabi sauce it gets so hot you can’t taste the raw fish 😎. The second was different – 3 of us invited to an obviously poor home in Bangladesh. The people were very nice and served us a delicious meal. However, they didn’t eat with us – they served us. We were pretty sure we were eating the equivalent of their food budget for a week or two and they weren’t getting any of it. We finally convinced them we were stuffed before we ate it all so they could enjoy some of the delicious meal after we left.
Grateful for the many experiences we have had sharing meals – including several with you and Todd!
Thank you for sharing these two stories! Such good examples of what we experience in various cultures and how we receive hospitality. And we always enjoy any opportunity we have to share a meal with the Steversons!
I miss the foods that I have learned to enjoy overseas! I’m looking forward to hosting people again when I return to my favorite island!
We have enjoyed your gracious and generous hospitality as you’ve opened your home to our family. I’m ready for some chicken and rice on your favorite island. It’s one of our favorites too.
I’ve learned a lot.
1) Trying what is served to you: I have eaten sheep brain, sheep cheek, sheep tongue. I’ve eaten fish with lots of little bones. I’ve had mutton and horse. I love horse, by the way. I have tried many delicious foods. One thing that is interesting is that some my local friends don’t always like what I make. I have to make it something similar to what they’re used to. Pizza, stuffed peppers, baked chicken, etc. If they’ve been to America, they might like Mexican food,
2) The people where I live are very hospitable. They invite you over and give you the best food and lots of it. They give you a gift of a towel or scarf the first time. Tea and food is always offered no matter what they’re doing. And you can stay as long as you like.
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