Titus 1:8 “But hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined. “

1. Remove perfectionistic tendencies

If you and I can’t put aside perfectionism, we’ll be hermits and never invite anyone into our home.

2. Take a look at your motives

What is your motive?  Is it to show off your home so others will think you are pretty great, or is it to make your guests feel at home. Always check your heart.

3. Think about others before yourself

It’s all about serving others.  Put others first.

4. Keep it simple

Your house doesn’t need to be in perfect order.  You don’t need to make an elaborate feast.  Just keep it simple and smile a lot.

5. Learn to relax (AKA, don’t be so uptight)

Sometimes I can be so uptight.  As I learn to relax and release my strongholds on things and people, I can relax more.  When we relax, our guests will be able to relax.

6. Pray over your home

This is so important.  Pray over your home daily.  Pray that God will grant His way and purpose in those who come and go.  Pray specifically and with great excitement for what the Lord will do today and in the future for His glory.

7. Don’t compare your home with pinterest

Pinterest has amazing ideas!  Aaaaaamazing.  But no one’s home is perfect.  We all spill our food, have crumbs and cobwebs.  Don’t compare your home’s size or status with the online world.  It’s about the people that fill the home, and the atmosphere the Spirit of the Lord creates.

8. Think fresh

Fresh flowers.  Fresh scents.  Fresh food.  These simple things can make a home extra inviting.

9. Be flexible

Flexibility can go a long way.  Go with the flow.

10. Don’t neglect strangers

Hebrews 13:2 “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. “

11. Prepare your heart

Maybe you aren’t bent towards hospitality.  Pray that the Lord would give you a heart for it!  Prepare your heart through prayer and meditating on His Word.

12. Give without expectations

Give without expecting any sort of pay back.  Give fully and with a heart of grace.

Hebrews 13:16 “Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God. “

13. Seek to meet other’s needs

Pay attention to the needs of others.  Keep a journal of what your friends, family, and acquaintances like and enjoy.  When you can, bless others with a special little treat or card.

14. Include everyone

Don’t leave anyone out.  Be welcoming to all.

15. Be kind and then some

Be kinder than necessary.  Be kind and then sprinkle some extra kindness on top.

16. Do it unto the Lord

Do it for the Lord alone and His glory.

Colossians 3:23-24 “Whatever you do, work heartily, as for the Lord and not for men, knowing that from the Lord you will receive the inheritance as your reward. You are serving the Lord Christ. “

17. Love your neighbor as yourself

Yes.  Yes.  Yes.

18. Give to the needy

Give to those who are in need.  Seek to meet other’s spiritual, physical, and emotional needs at the moment.

Proverbs 31:20 “She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. “

19. Be the Mary over the Martha

It’s great to be a Martha, but without a heart of Mary, Martha is just a doer.  Sit at Jesus’s feet first, above everything else.

20. Prepare a table of peace

Seek to prepare a table of peace in the midst of a hectic and troublesome world.  Look into the eyes of others.  Lift your head from your phone, and look deep and long and listen without distraction.  Leave others with a full heart because you’ve pointed them to Jesus.

Psalm 23:5 “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; you anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows. “