Presented by Julie Busteed
We’ve explored what it means to practice hospitality in everyday life, but how does that translate to our jobs? Today, there’s an entire hospitality industry—hotels, restaurants, travel, and event services. You can even earn a degree in hospitality management! For those working in that field, hospitality is built into the job: welcoming strangers, serving with kindness, offering guidance, and meeting the practical needs of guests.
But even if you don’t work in that industry, the call to hospitality still applies. In the workplace, it might look like showing patience and grace to coworkers and clients, offering help when someone is overwhelmed, or simply pausing your own agenda to listen. It’s that same outward focus—seeing others and responding with care.
The greatest example of hospitality is Jesus himself. He consistently met people’s practical needs with compassion and love.
In Mark 8, he responds to a hungry crowd.
“I have compassion for these people; they have already been with me three days and have nothing to eat. If I send them home hungry, they will collapse on the way, because some of them have come a long distance” (Mark 8:2-3).
Jesus saw their need—and he acted. He miraculously provided food when none was available.
In Mark 1, a man with leprosy begs Jesus for healing.
Moved with compassion, Jesus reached out and touched him. ‘I am willing,’ he said. ‘Be healed!’ Instantly the leprosy disappeared, and the man was healed (Mark 1:41-42 NLT).
Jesus saw the unseen people. He touched the untouchable, welcomed the outcasts, and made space for the overlooked—women, children, lepers, Gentiles, and sinners.
Then of course when Jesus washed his disciples’ feet at the last supper he beautifully demonstrated how to practice hospitality—to show God’s love in practical ways and serve them—all for his glory.
Hospitality isn’t all about entertaining. It’s about seeing others and serving them with love. Whether it’s a kind word, a helping hand, or a listening ear, it’s all for God’s glory.
I hope you’re encouraged to practice hospitality wherever you are—including your workplace. Because when we serve others, we reflect the heart of Christ.