Many Christians say they don’t reach out to strangers in the name of Jesus because they don’t know how to offer that kind of hospitality.
Author Annie McCune can show you how. She says, “Throughout the course of my life, I have had the privilege of loving many strangers through opening the door to my home and my heart. In return, I have been radically loved when I was a stranger in need of hospitality.”
Hospitality is about learning to love strangers with God’s love and grace. Annie and her husband, Lee, once accompanied a group to Israel led by Ray Vander Laan. One day, along one of their many treks through a remote location, they arrived at a desert community of tents and families. Annie and Lee’s group was greeted by cups of water and places to sit. After several women made fresh bread, they all – desert community and strangers alike – broke bread together.
I’ve invited Annie to join me on Focus on the Family with Jim Daly for a conversation about showing hospitality to family, neighbors, and strangers in the love of Christ.
She has developed what she calls “hospitality hacks” that help her host guests on short notice including:
- Always have brownie mix on hand.
- Have cheese, crackers, and teabags available.
- Make sure to have emergency supplies for natural disasters.
- Keep extra sets of clean towels and bedding.
- Decide ahead of time which items you are willing to share with strangers.
Biblical hospitality is different than entertaining guests. It requires purpose, preparation, and perhaps a bit of humility and courage.