The Shunamite Woman: Cultivating a Heart of HospitalitySample

Hospitality: Learning to Give and Receive - The Reciprocal Nature of Hospitality

Let’s not forget in all this talk about hospitality that there is a reciprocal joy found in it. Biblical examples of hospitality illustrate an exchange between guest and host. The host would provide for the guest, and then, upon leaving, the guest would bless the host in whatever way they could. We see this in the story of Elisha and the Shunammite woman.

For so long, the Shunammite woman provided a home and food for Elisha. Then, when famine came and there was no more food for her or her family, Elisha warned them, and they fled to live among the Philistines for seven years. Once again, Elisha saved her son’s life and her life, too. And after the seven years, when she returned to plead with the king for the return of the land that she left, the king gave it back to her because of Elisha’s reputation among the people. Elisha had compassion and took responsibility to look after the Shunammite woman and her son. He kept his promise. They took care of him, and in return, he took care of them.

While we may not be the prophet Elisha, we are the saints of God and his image-bearers. And thus, we are endowed with the power to bless others. When we extend or receive hospitality, we gain so many serendipitous returns. Friendship, joy, community, and, yes, even character development are just a few of the blessings that stem from it. In this way, hospitality reminds us that what we have been given is not just for our personal happiness but also for the happiness of others. What we have, whether it be physical or spiritual possessions, is meant to be shared. Through the acts of giving and receiving, we become conduits of God’s hospitality – and the message of the gospel - to other weary souls.

Reflection Question

• When did you receive a blessing back from someone you extended hospitality to?