This season of quarantine and social distancing may seem an unlikely time to discuss the encouragement of hospitality, but since we are unable to offer hospitality in our usual way – it might just be the best time. Typically, our contemporary understanding of hospitality involves having people into our homes and entertaining them with food and conversation. Hospitality often conjures up visions of a beautifully decorated and immaculately cleaned house as well as a gourmet dinner and perfectly behaved children. The recipients of this hospitality are usually assumed to be friends or family – invited guests – and they would of course be gracious. But is this the biblical picture of hospitably?

“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice Hospitality.”

Romans 12:13

At first glance, these two sentences might seem to be to repetitive, but not necessarily. As Christians, we understand that believers are considered to be like family, and while it is not an easy practice, sharing with other Christians would make sense. We are to look beyond the four walls of our home – even beyond the walls of our local church – to meet the needs of The Church, the body of all believers.

Once Paul established our duty to care for other believers, he stretched our understanding of caring for others in general. The greek word used here for hospitality is “philoxenia” which means love of strangers. Yes, we are to share with those who share our faith, but we are also to extend that same love to people that we don’t know at all.

As difficult as it is for some of us to think about offering hospitality to our close friends and family, opening up our most intimate spaces to strangers is surely out of our comfort zone. But most of us are already uncomfortable in this ever-changing world today, so we might as well stretch a bit more. How then, can we offer hospitality without allowing anyone into our homes? Here are some ways I have seen you practicing hospitality in the midst of the pandemic:

6 Ways To Offer Hospitality In The Midst of a Pandemic

• Share your space virtually.

Keep sharing the beauty and humor you find in your day. We may not be there in person, but we can find joy in your happy times. Teach us to cook a meal, sing us a song, do a little dance, show us your cute animals. Each time you let us into your life, we feel a little less alone.

• Create a virtual gathering

So many people right now just need someone with whom to connect. Create an open time for people to gather virtually and talk, start a virtual book club, or do an online Bible Study. Consider opening the group to people you don’t already know. Who knows what new friendships may form!

• Share a meal virtually.

Food is stil a major factor in fellowship – who says you can’t break bread together? Prepare or order a portion for your friend, have it delivered or leave it on the doorstep, and then enjoy conversation by phone or FaceTime while you each eat in the safety of your own homes.

• Watch a movie or listen to a concert virtually.

Shared experience is an important key to defeating loneliness. Choose something that you both enjoy and make a virtual date.

• Share prayers or bedtime stories virtually.

This is an amazing time to share your important family traditions with others. Include grandparents, the neighbor, the single mom with little ones, or even your friends that live far away. Pray or read together over the phone or use FaceTime or zoom.

• Offer a safe outdoor space for a mini-vacation.

While many parks, beaches, and entertainment venues are closed, you can share your private outdoor spaces with those who don’t have access to enjoy nature right now. Invite one family at a time to walk on your trail through the woods or fish in the pond on your farm. Offer your secret sunset viewing spot, or your picnic table at the edge of the field. Stay in the house and let the outdoor space be theirs to enjoy for the day – even overnight if they want to camp out and watch the stars!

We are all looking forward to a time when we can gather again in person, but let this be a time to practice hospitality in some unconventional ways. My hope is that you will be so blessed by the virtual hospitality that you will be virtually unable to resist hospitality in person when the time comes!