Breaking Down Barriers to Hospitality
by Kesa Ennen
Part 4 in the Biblical Hospitality Series
In our last post, we looked at how our homes can be powerful tools for Kingdom impact. Now, as we close our series, we’ll tackle some common barriers that keep us from living out this command.
Key Scripture: “And God is able to bless you abundantly, so that in all things at all times, having all that you need, you will abound in every good work.” – 2 Corinthians 9:8
Common Excuses and God’s Answers
We all have reasons why we think hospitality is for someone else. Maybe you’ve thought, “My home isn’t big enough,” or “I just don’t have time.” Maybe you’ve wondered, “What if they reject me?” or “I have to plan everything out perfectly first.” These thoughts can easily keep us from opening our doors and lives. Our key scripture reminds us that God has already given us everything we need to serve well. Let’s look at each of these excuses and see what God says about them.
“My home isn’t big enough”
Hospitality isn’t measured in square footage. It’s measured in the warmth of your welcome. The early church met in all kinds of homes (Acts 2:46), and their focus was on fellowship, not the space itself. A small living room or a back porch can be a place where deep conversations happen.
“I don’t have time”
Our schedules are full, but hospitality doesn’t require a big, planned out event. Invite someone to join you in something you are already doing - share a quick lunch, have coffee while running errands or fold laundry together. Many times the most meaningful conversations happen in the in-between moments.
“What if they reject me?”
Rejection can hurt, but hospitality is an act of obedience, not a guarantee of acceptance. We plant the seeds, and God grants the increase (I Corinthians 3:6-7). Every invitation is an opportunity to reflect Christ’s love whether it’s received or not.
“I must plan it all out”
Perfection can paralyze us. You don’t need an elaborate menu or a spotless house to invite someone in. And remember - if someone comes to your home only to judge how spotless it is, that’s on them, not you. Your calling is to welcome, not to impress.
When You Feel Unqualified
Hospitality doesn’t belong to the “gifted” hosts. It belongs to all believers. If you feel unqualified, remember the qualification comes from God and not our abilities (2 Corinthians 3:5). Throughout scripture, God uses ordinary people to accomplish extraordinary things. Moses was a man who was slow of speech, yet he led an entire nation out of slavery. David was a shepherd boy who defeated a giant and became king. The disciples, of whom many were fishermen, became bold messengers of the Gospel. You don’t need eloquent words or an elaborate spread. You just need to be available. Every invitation, no matter how simple, has potential to be a moment where God moves powerfully.
Joyful, Willing Hospitality
Hospitality isn’t meant to be a burden - it’s a joyful calling. Scripture reminds us, “offer hospitality to one another without grumbling” (1 Peter 4:9). We see Lydia in Acts 16:14-15 opening her home immediately after being baptized. The Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37 went out of his way to care for a stranger.
This series has reminded us that biblical hospitality isn’t about perfection, it’s about presence. It starts with welcoming others as Christ welcomed us, continues with serving from the heart, extends to us using our homes for Kingdom work and overcomes excuses and fears that hold us back. Whether it’s inviting someone to dinner, offering a listening ear or making space for the weary, may we all take one step to living this out. We can open the door to someone’s healing, encouragement or salvation. Let’s open it wide and trust God with the results.
You can read Part 3 here.
Kesa Ennen is an accomplished executive assistant at Prep Communications where she excels in providing high-level administrative support and streamlining operations. Kesa joined Prep after work in health care settings and serving in executive support roles with Allobee, The Riveter, and designer Rebecca Minkoff. Kesa holds a BBA from Stephen F. Austin State University and an MBA from LeTourneau University. She and her husband are raising three kids in the Lone Star State.
