Hospitality as peacemaking

Sometimes hospitality comes about in strange ways, but it has a way of changing the lives of both host and guest — NYTimes article, “How a Town Famous for Xenophobia Fell in Love With Immigrants.“

Various motives can be at play with extending hospitality. For Hérouxville, economic need. was a primary driver. Thinking about hospitality in the context of the Church, the motives for hospitality could be things such as an entry point for evangelism, expression of faith or belief, desire to be a “better” person, a way to get to know someone, and/or some extrinsic value to the host. Regardless of why, most people have good intent which makes hospitality a wonderful means for church/ministry leaders to grow and disciple their people. Because many are accustomed to entertaining guests, it can be low risk with high reward.

Whether a practice of the local church or a broader community, hospitality helps to break down walls and provide opportunities for strangers, guest and host, to be known. Taking away the mystery of the “other” through familiarity and relationship allows believers and non-believers experience the imago dei seen in others.