What Does Christian Hospitality Look Like in a Busy World?

Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.

-1 Peter 4:8-9 NIV

Nearly thirteen years ago, after my husband and I moved to a northern Chicago suburb, I distinctly remember going to the grocery store for the first time in a new area. Navigating the store, I was shocked that people didn’t say excuse me as they passed directly in front of someone else. Everyone seemed rushed. It was a stark contrast to my Indiana upbringing and having lived in rural Illinois for the start of my young adult years. Flash forward to 2025, and even in those smaller rural communities I don’t hear many people saying excuse me in the grocery store aisles. It seems that people are too rushed to acknowledge those next to them, make eye contact with a smile, or offer a hello to a stranger. I too am guilty of this on occasion.

While the times and culture have changed, God’s Word remains the same. Christian hospitality isn’t one of those things that should be discarded and forgotten. Connecting and building relationships with others around us should be important to us because it’s important to God. Jesus lived a full life of hospitality toward others, and He desires us to do the same in order to draw more people to know the love of Christ.  

In a world that’s too rushed to acknowledge or care for others, Christians should stand out as people who care for those that God’s placed in our paths. Sharing the love of Christ begins by getting out of our comfort zones to genuinely care for people- learning who they are and their stories. Christ made people feel seen, known, and loved, and He desires us to do the same in our own communities.

So as believers living in a messy, chaotic, and overly busy world, how can we do a better job of showing Christian hospitality to those around us?

Be Curious- Start a Conversation

Opening up a simple conversation with the cashier about their day, or acknowledging that new church goer and asking more about them, or even chatting with your neighbor about those vegetables their planting, are all ways to show curiosity and genuine care for those around us. Being curious and starting a simple conversation might be intimidating, but it’s a good start for showing Christian love and hospitality. Most people enjoy talking about their interests or what’s going on in their lives. Curiosity shows we see and care for those God’s created in His image, we want to get to know them, and we’re glad they are in this world.

Many years back when I was just out of college, I was eager to find a church home after getting settled in a new city. Walking into a Baptist church for the first time, I still remember an older couple who approached me after service and introduced themselves. Within about five minutes of our conversation, they got to know my name and a little bit about me. At the next service, I was shocked as they presented me with a book by a Christian author who had a similar last name to my maiden name. I was touched by how a simple conversation led me to feeling seen, known, and loved in just a short amount of time. And it started with a simple conversation and a two people being curious about me. I still have that book on my shelf to this day, and it’s a blessed reminder of the importance of taking a short amount of time to get to know someone. That conversation really made a difference in a time where I was alone, very new to faith, and trying to establish some new relationships.

Invite Someone Over for Coffee or a Meal (Even in the Mess)

The fear of rejection or being bogged down by busyness can be a deterrent to even asking to connect with others. There’s also the feeling that we need to have everything perfect in order to invite people into our lives. But most people appreciate being asked to build connection in the midst of imperfection and chaos because that’s the world we live in- being genuine and real is more valuable than feigning having it all together. Each of us carries baggage, and we need community to thrive- building and encouraging one another in the messiness of life. Connecting with others doesn’t need to be a glamorous event, but it does take time and a conscious effort.

Recently, I had a friend from my college years move to the area. Instead of waiting to be invited over to someone else’s home, she decided to invite neighbors and new acquaintances over to her house for a cookout. I was in awe of her boldness and vulnerability since she wasn’t even fully moved in to her new home. While she was still getting things organized within her house, it didn’t stop her from seeking to build connections with others. She understood the value of connection amidst the busyness and chaos of life. Jesus’ life was often busy and chaotic, but he took the time to connect with others- eating with them, going to parties, and inviting others to spend time with Him. He was never too busy for genuine connection. My friend’s hospitality was a wonderful example of Christ’s desire to connect with others, and it encouraged me to prioritize connection over waiting for perfection.

Be Aware of Your Surroundings- Help Those in Need

Hospitality also starts with being aware of our surroundings- allowing the Holy Spirit to guide us in seeing the needs of others and meeting those needs when we are able. Recently, while I was grocery shopping, I noticed a young lady gladly approach an older woman who needed help. The older lady couldn’t quite reach the half-gallon of milk she was reaching for in the refrigerated section. The young woman immediately offered to grab the milk and place it in the older lady’s cart. It was a kind and simple gesture, but it started with the young woman being aware of her surroundings. As Christians, we’re to be aware of our surroundings so that we can better serve those around us with the gifts, talents, abilities, and resources God’s given us. And how we help others will look different depending on where we live and the needs within our area.

Back when I was in MOPS (Mothers of Preschoolers), our group often made meals for ladies who recently gave birth. It didn’t matter if the mom was a Christian or not, we showed the love of Christ through making meals for her and her family during a blessed but difficult transition. Many moms who didn’t have family in the area appreciated this act of love so that they could properly recover and take care of their baby without having to worry about making meals. Through the Holy Spirit, you and I can actively use what God’s given us to help those in our churches and communities to show the love of Christ. It starts with a willingness to be aware of what’s going on around us.

The Body of Christ is meant to remain at work in a dark world. And while hospitality is work, it’s a holy and righteous work. And that work is meant to point people back to Jesus who meets our deepest needs.

And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus.

-Philippians 4:19 NIV

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I am still working on my book, so I will not be creating blog content as frequently, but I will respond to your comments when I see them. Thank you for your continued prayers and support on this writing journey.

Keep seeking the Lord in your health and relationships!

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