But… do I have to feed people?

Just in case, on today's episode, I'm sharing some recipes and ideas for hospitality!

When I say, "hospitality," I know that's the question that overwhelms some of us. We have lots of hangups around hosting, and the idea of having to cook or prepare an elaborate meal could stop us before we ever get around to inviting. So DO we have to feed people? The short answer is…

No. But it's sure a nice way to connect, to open hearts, and to share an act of love with someone!

Food is given not just for our sustenance, but for our enjoyment. When God created us, He made us with all the senses to see, smell, touch and taste food - and we can share that blessing with others. He also made food to nourish us, and when we feed someone, we get to physically nourish them, too.

Food is an earthly experience that reflects our eternal existence, made in the image of a creative God.

"God never meant man to be a purely spiritual creature. That is why He uses material things like bread and wine to put the new life into us. We may think this rather crude and unspiritual. God does not: He invented eating. He likes matter. He invented it." - C. S. LEWIS, Mere Christianity

Did you ever notice that several times in scripture, Jesus shares a meal with and/or feeds people?

In Matthew 14 and 15, He and the disciples feed a crowd of over 5,000, then 4,000
In luke 19, Jesus joins Zaccheus at his home for dinner
In Luke 10, Jesus dines at the invite of Mary and Marth
Jesus celebrates the biblical feasts/meals with His disciples throughout His time with them
In Luke 21 after the resurrection, Jesus feeds the disciples breakfast on the shore

So I'm thinking if our Lord fed people, we can, too!

Sharing food - whether it's a snack or a full meal - doesn't have to be daunting. I believe you can find a bite to share whether you're single and in a tiny apartment, a mom of multiple kiddos, or a retired person on a limited income… it's about simplifying, being creative, planning ahead, working with what you have, and being intentional for those we invite.

We may have some hold-ups, though, that we think prevent us from hosting with a meal. Maybe you'd say, "I'm not a cook," "I have no time," or "I'm on a tight budget!" Maybe you're intimidated by people who are picky or have allergies or food preferences or sensitivities. There are answers to those valid concerns!

I'm NOT a cook
I've got no time
It's hard to feed people who are picky/have allergies

Find ideas for all of these hold-ups on today's episode!

"Food cannot take care of spiritual, psychological and emotional problems, but the feeling of being loved and cared for, the actual comfort of the beauty and flavour of food, the increase of blood sugar and physical well-being, help one to go on during the next hours better equipped to meet the problems (p. 124)."

― Edith Schaeffer, The Hidden Art of Homemaking

FULL EPISODE NOTES ARE HERE.

Want a printable list of some of my favorite recipes for hosting? These are some of my favorite easy recipes for feeding in a hurry, with a crowd, on a budget or with food sensitivies.

Resources:

Breakfast Recipes Page

Cheese Board

Edit Schaeffer, The Hidden Art of Homemaking

Recipes for Hospitality - Everyday Welcome - Episode 6