What if I told you hospitality has nothing to do with your house?

Today at church, I learned something about hospitality that really made me pause and think.

I’ve always seen hospitality as just opening your home to people — cooking for them, making them comfortable in your space. But the meaning in Greek opened my eyes. The Greek word for hospitality is philoxenia — "philo" meaning love, and "xenia" meaning stranger. In other words, hospitality is the love for strangers.

It’s deeper than just inviting someone into your house. It’s about inviting them into your heart.
It’s about creating a safe space where people feel seen, heard, and valued — even outside of our physical homes. Hospitality can look like a listening ear, a genuine smile, or simply choosing to care for someone, especially when they’re not part of our usual circle.

Aquila and Priscilla immediately came to mind. In Acts 18, we see how they welcomed Apostle Paul into their home, but even more than that, they welcomed him into their lives. They didn’t just offer Paul a place to stay — they offered him genuine support, friendship, and even partnership in ministry. Their story reminds me that hospitality isn’t just about location; it’s about love in action.

Today reminded me that true hospitality is not limited by walls. It’s a posture of the heart.

So this week, I want to be more intentional — to open not just my door, but my heart to others.

What does hospitality mean to you personally?

#SundayReflections #Hospitality #LifeLessons #PersonalGrowth #CharacterDevelopment #CommunityBuilding #IntentionalLiving #MindsetMatters #MeaningfulConnections