Now that the tree is down (or should be) and the church class parties are over (or probably are), we can settle down to some kind of a schedule. I recommend that this schedule include entertaining guests in your home. I usually write about this once a year because I think it is important to bond friendships.
Besides that, the Bible says so.
When Christ was going to and fro preaching, he, in the absence of motels, stayed in the homes of friends. These people are not usually named, but he told his disciples to stay with the same family during the time they were in an area, not to trot from house to house.
You recall that he and his disciples traveled rather lightly – no change of clothes, no money, etc. We are told in Romans 12:13 to “practice hospitality.” In 4:9 of his first letter, Peter says, “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.” Of course, it was probably Mrs. Peter who was doing the cooking, the washing of the dishes, and the grumbling. Titus talked a lot about hospitality. In talking about the bishops, he says they should be hospitable, etc.
I especially like the story of the three “men” visiting Abraham unexpectedly and Abraham insisting on “fetching” them a little food. He then went out to the herd, selected a “fine, tender calf and gave it to the servant” to prepare. I wonder how much small talk had to go on while that calf was being slaughtered and barbecued.
The point of this is that we are to show love and friendship to our fellow Christians and to others by entertaining them in our homes, whether that “home” is a tent, an apartment, or an estate.
Some people you should invite to your home: the pastor and his family, members of your Sunday school class or WMU group, the frequent visitor to your church, the church staff, longtime church members (because you will have a lot to talk about), fellow members that you may not see often because they are in different classes, etc.
Keep the number small enough to handle easily. It is more congenial so everyone can enjoy the conversation to seat everyone at the same table (whether that is six, 10, or whatever) than to have them scattered all over the house. It is all right to do the latter, of course, if the group is a large number such as your Sunday school class.
Keep the menu simple: a main dish (usually a meat dish); one or two vegetables (perhaps a green vegetable and a starchy one); a salad; hot bread; and a good, rich, and highly fattening dessert. Keep this as simple or as busy as you want. You may serve soup or salad, then the main dish, and then the dessert in courses – or you can put it all on the table or buffet at the same time.
The things your guests will remember will be your hospitality, the good food (whatever it is and however it is served), and your friendship and love – not if the curtains have been recently laundered.
Be generous and hospitable. The Bible says so.