A Biblical Woman is Resourceful and Hospitable

by Hollie Farmer

“She perceives that her merchandise is profitable. Her lamp does not go out at night. She opens her hand to the poor and reaches out her hands to the needy. She is not afraid of snow for her household, for all of her household are clothed in scarlet. She makes bed coverings for herself; her clothing is fine linen and purple.” -Proverbs 31:18, 20, 21-22

Have you ever been to a friend’s house, and you were hungry but did not feel you could ask for something to eat? Or you were cold and were not offered a blanket? At that moment, did you feel cared for? Were your needs met? Showing hospitality to our friends and neighbors means we care for them. We esteem their needs more highly than our own.

Romans 12:10 says, “Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” When you have friends over to hang out, it is the perfect time to be intentional in showing the love of Christ to them. Offer them something to eat and drink, be observant about how they are feeling and help them feel welcomed in your home. Hospitality goes beyond making people feel comfortable, though. It involves being observant, seeing a need or someone who needs help, and choosing to act.

Growing up, there was this one area of town that we had to pass through to get to the dentist’s office. I would see people asking for money on the side of the road, and that tugged at my heart. I felt like that was the Holy Spirit urging me to do something. I asked God what I could do to be helpful and resourceful with my limitations. I decided to make gift bags to show the love of Christ. I stuffed the bags with toiletry items, crackers, bottled water, and a kind message inside. I kept a few handy in the front seat so that I could roll down the window and give them out without getting out of the car.

Have you felt that tug in your heart before? To do something, to say something, to be the light of Christ in your community? When you work hard, make good decisions, care for others, and provide resources for others, you are honoring the Lord. You are being the hands and feet of Jesus. Being resourceful does not require a lot of money or a position of leadership. It means doing what you can with what you have. You are being like the Proverbs 31 woman who is devoted to the well being of others and contributes to the concerns of her community.

Journaling Page for Hospitality

What resources do you have? How can you use them to meet the needs of others?

How can you show hospitality in your daily life?

Other thoughts and scriptures about hospitality: