When I was in Albania, one of the things that I learned from the Albanian people was hospitality. Before Albania, I had never been outside the US. I had heard of "southern hospitality," but I can't say that I ever really experienced it even though I grew up in Florida.
In Albania, when I would go to visit a brother or someone I was studying the Bible with, I was usually welcomed in and asked what I would like to drink, or some food was set out before me. These were not Christians who were displaying this hospitality towards me, but usually the Christians' parents.
If I showed up at one brother, Dritan's apartment unannounced, his mother (who happens to be a pretty good cook) would immediately invite me in, set food out, and offer me a drink. If I refused, she would talk about how skinny I was and that I needed to fatten up a little. I did have parasites at the time, so I probably was a bit on the skinny side. Needless to say, I went to Dritan's house when I could, and I was more than content to let her try to fatten me up. I never felt like a burden there but always welcome.
Another brother, Roberto, was one of the poorer brothers in the church. He was about 17-18 years old while I was there and had a fairly large responsibility on his shoulders. He was the supporter of his mother and a younger sister who lived with them. His father had died of alcoholism (if I remember correctly) and his brother had died as well. Another sister was married and lived with her husband. He and his mother and younger sister lived in a one room apartment about 13' wide and 24' long. The bathroom was a shared bathroom with other tenants and was located down the hall.
She cooked over what looked like a make-shift electric burner. She would place it on the floor when cooking and put it away when not in use. Her health was not great but she was always very, very giving when I came by. One day, I showed up unannounced (they did not have a phone) to visit Roberto. She sent him down to the store to buy something to drink to have something to set before me. This hospitality cost them wages that they needed. The dinner she invited me over to one time did as well. All of this, without Christ in their lives. I am grateful for the lessons I learned from the Albanian people.
When I practice hospitality, it is a wonderful opportunity to show Christ to those in my house. I do it with a purpose- for the Kingdom. Whether they are Christians or not, I want those in my house to feel welcomed and loved. It is a good time to minister. You never know what impact you might have on one's life while they sit in your house. I love having people over. It can be work, but it is such a joy.
I encourage you to offer hospitality to friends and strangers alike. It's a great way to get closer to a brother that you are already close to and to be encouraged by one another's faith. It's a great way to get to know a brother better that you do not know well and who may need encouragement. It's a great way to share the gospel with a friend or a stranger as they see the love of Christ practiced in your home.
Let me offer some practical advise. When someone is in your home, let them be your center of attention. Everything else should come second. Offer them something to eat or drink not long after they get situated, even if they're not there for dinner. Don't be in a rush to get them out if it starts getting a little late. Finally, think about how you would want to be treated while visiting a friend or stranger.
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