Word of the Week - Hospitality

"Show Hospitality to one another without grumbling” - 1 Peter 4:9

Growing up in South Louisiana, in the heart of Cajun country, I was surrounded by some of the most hospitable people you’ll ever meet. The Cajun culture is known for making strangers feel like family—welcoming them, feeding them, and loving them without hesitation. That spirit of open-handed hospitality became one of our Donner family values and has shaped how I live and lead today. As leaders, husbands, fathers, and CEOs, we have countless opportunities to extend this same kind of Christ-like welcome to others in both our homes, businesses, and communities.

Hospitality is the posture of a host toward a guest—receiving others with goodwill, warmth, and genuine care. At its core, biblical hospitality is more than entertaining; it’s loving people in a way that reflects the heart of Christ. It is about making others feel valued, seen, and accepted—whether they can return the favor or not.  It is about adding value to others without expecting something in return.

Principles of Biblical Hospitality

• Warmth that Breaks Down Barriers
  Hospitality begins with a smile, a kind word, or a handshake. A simple act of warmth helps people feel seen and lowers defenses. This small but powerful practice creates space for trust and deeper connection.

• Personalization that Honors Others
  Our God is personal; He not only knows our name, He knows the number of hairs on our head.  Remembering a person’s name, asking about their family, or paying attention to their preferences communicates, “You matter.” In business and in life, intentional hospitality honors people and reflects the personal love of Christ for each of us.

• Service that Reflects God’s Heart
  Hebrews 13:1–2 reminds us: “Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Biblical hospitality is distinctive because it goes beyond friends and family—it extends to strangers, the hurting, and even those who cannot repay us. Romans 12:13 calls us to “contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” In this way, hospitality becomes both outreach and discipleship: it draws outsiders toward Christ and deepens relationships inside the body of Christ. God uses our homes, tables, and lives as tools to build His Kingdom both inside and outside the Church.

God is so gracious that He welcomed us into His family and made us co-heirs with Christ. Each day He invites us to His table for daily bread through abiding in Him. In response, He calls us to extend His love and grace to others. As John Maxwell says, “People will forget what you said, forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” Hospitality is one of the simplest, most tangible ways to live out the Great Commandment: Love God, Love Others.

Challenge Question: Who is one person—inside or outside your circle—that you can intentionally invite in this week to experience the love of Christ through your hospitality?  Maybe a neighbor, a colleague or just someone God has put on your heart.

Prayer: Father, thank You for welcoming us into Your family through Christ. Help us to reflect Your heart by showing hospitality to others without grumbling. Give us the eyes to see opportunities, the courage to open our lives, and the love to make people feel valued and at home in You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Have a great week showing hospitality to those in your sphere!