Hospitality does not always arrive with grand speeches or carefully planned events. Sometimes it comes quietly, in the form of a warm meal, an unexpected kindness or a set of house keys placed into your hands at just the right moment.
More than a decade ago, my husband and I were living in the hills of Maleny, above the Sunshine Coast in Queensland. Christmas was approaching. We had recently finished building our home and planting the garden. Family members were eager to come and celebrate with us. A few young couples planned to camp in tents, and we thought everyone would manage comfortably for a few days.
Then the weather suddenly changed. Instead of warm summer sunshine, Christmas brought cold winds, rain and miserable conditions—very unusual for Queensland. As we wondered what to do with our guests, there was a knock at the door.
Standing there were our neighbours from across the street: Catherine and Patrick. We hardly knew them. We had exchanged only the occasional greeting while passing by. Yet there they were, smiling warmly and saying, “If you want, here are the keys. Three bedrooms are yours. The beds have been made.”
Their beautiful home was far more comfortable than our humble place, yet they freely offered it to us while they travelled to Brisbane to spend Christmas with family.
“Please make yourself at home,” they said.
We could hardly believe what we were hearing, but gratefully accepted their extraordinary generosity.
Over the years that followed, their kindness continued. Often when returning from holidays or weekend trips, we would discover baskets of homemade treats and fresh produce waiting at our door. There were invitations for meals and gatherings with neighbours.
Our Singaporean neighbour, Hayati, would sometimes leave a large container of freshly cooked noodles or fried rice outside our door after my long night shifts at the local hospital. And whenever neighbours came to share a meal at our place, Catherine would arrive carrying beautiful flower arrangements made from the roses and orchids in her garden.
Why do I still remember these moments so vividly? Because true hospitality leaves a lasting mark on the heart.
Catherine and Patrick were devoted Roman Catholic Christians. Hayati told us she had no religion at all. I was a member of the Seventh-day Adventist Church. Yet through their kindness, generosity and thoughtfulness, I caught a glimpse of the spirit of Christ.
When I reflect on those years in Piccabeen Place, Maleny, I am often humbled. Have I been as good a neighbour to others as they were to me? Does my life reflect the welcoming heart of Jesus?
Too often, I have forgotten that hospitality is not merely an optional extra for Christians. Scripture presents it as part of genuine discipleship. Romans 12:13 urges believers to “practise hospitality”, while Hebrews 13:2 reminds us not to neglect showing hospitality to strangers.
Martin Luther is reported to have said, “Be hospitable and kindly; let no one come to you without leaving better and happier.”
What a beautiful challenge for all of us.
Hospitality does not require wealth, a perfect home or elaborate meals. Sometimes it is as simple as sharing food, opening a door, offering encouragement or making another person feel seen and valued. In a world that can often feel cold and disconnected, acts of kindness become powerful witnesses to the love of Christ.
“Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay” (1 Peter 4:9 NLT).
Kristiina Somerville is a freelance writer who attends Springwood church in Queensland.
