Why Hospitality Matters More Than a Perfect Home

Pull up your Bible and a glass of lemonade…

Hey Y’all! Pull up your Bible and a glass of lemonade, and let’s chat about why hospitality matters more than a perfect home as a Christian. As someone who loves design, I’ve had to remind myself that our homes are not just about paint colors, furniture, or layouts. They’re about honoring Christ.

The home you’re in right now? It’s not an accident of budget, life stage, or circumstance. God deliberately placed you there. Every decision, detour, and detail of your life has led you to this space. (Yes, even that rental with the neon carpet you swore you’d only tolerate for one year but ended up staying five. God’s sense of humor is strong.)

The Purpose of Our Homes

Your home is an invitation from God — both to draw closer to Him and to help others seek Him through the blessing of the space He’s entrusted to you. He orchestrates the places we call home, neon carpet and all.

And sure, when we move into a new place, or even dream about the “forever home,” our minds start spinning:

• What will happen within these walls?

• How long will we be here?

• Will this neighborhood become our community?

  
  

But the biggest question is this: How can we glorify Jesus through our home?

Design in Its Right Place

Don’t get me wrong — I still care deeply about creating spaces that are beautiful and functional. I’ve spent more hours than I want to admit debating curtain lengths and returning rugs that looked way different online (The great Rug Hunt of 2025 may finally be coming to an end). But beauty can’t be the end goal.

If my design choices only serve to impress people, I’ve missed the point. Because here’s the truth: hospitality matters more than whether your couch matches your rug or whether your kitchen looks Pinterest-perfect. (Besides, trends change. Jesus doesn’t.)

The Call to Hospitality

That’s why Scripture emphasizes hospitality so strongly:

• Hebrews 13:2 — “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.”

  
  

  • We’re called to show the love of Christ to anyone and everyone — not just the people who are easy to love. This verse reminds us to welcome the stranger, because you never really know who God might be placing in your path. You could be entertaining angels without even realizing it! God is always moving in ways we can’t fully see, so be generous with your space, your time, and your heart — and trust Him to use your home as a blessing far beyond what you can imagine.

    
    

Some other verses to keep close to heart:

• Romans 12:13 — “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

• 1 Peter 4:8–9 — “Above all, love each other deeply, because love covers over a multitude of sins. Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”

  
  

At the end of the day, hospitality is bigger than setting a pretty table or finally nailing that gallery wall. It’s a reflection of God’s own heart. When we open our doors, we imitate His welcoming nature. And let’s be honest — God isn’t waiting until our baseboards are dusted to work through us. He calls us to be generous with what He’s given us — even if what He’s given us is a tiny apartment, a couch from Craigslist, and a coffee maker that sounds like it’s on its last prayer.

Practical Ways to Live It Out

Hospitality isn’t always easy. Honestly, it often feels easier to close the blinds, microwave some mac and cheese, and binge Netflix. But choosing to welcome others can be a beautiful witness to the Gospel. Here are some simple ways to practice it:

• Invite people in, even when it’s messy. Don’t wait for spotless counters or folded laundry. Some of the best conversations happen with mismatched mugs and toys scattered across the floor. (And if someone judges your mess? Congrats — you just weeded out a bad guest.)

• Keep it simple. Hospitality doesn’t mean a three-course meal. Frozen pizza, a pot of soup, or store-bought cookies with coffee can open the door to deep connection. (In fact, people usually relax more when you don’t serve soufflé.)

• Create space for connection. Think about how your home is set up for people. Maybe that’s keeping an extra chair in the living room or prioritizing the dining table over more décor. Comfort > “aesthetic.”

• Look beyond the guest list. Hospitality isn’t just for your inner circle. Invite the neighbor you’ve only waved at, the new mom who hasn’t slept in weeks, or someone who needs a warm meal. Remember how special you felt when someone invited you in? Let’s provide that same feeling to someone else.

• Practice presence over perfection. No one cares if your throw pillows matched. They’ll remember if you made them feel loved, listened to, and seen. Love > perfection, every single time.

• Pray for your home and gatherings. Pray for discernment on how to use your space to meet needs — both practical and spiritual. Pray that every person who walks in the door feels the peace and love of Christ.

  
  

The Role of Design in Hospitality

Hospitality comes first, but good design has its place too. A welcoming, functional environment lowers barriers and puts people at ease. It’s not about perfection — it’s about creating spaces that make connection natural.

Think cozy chairs pulled close enough for conversation, a dining table that says “stay awhile,” or even little touches that point back to God’s creativity. Your design can quietly witness His beauty and generosity.

The Big Picture

At the end of the day, no one is going to remember if your dishwasher was empty or if your couch was on-trend. They’ll remember if they felt loved and welcomed. That’s what sticks.

Hospitality is the Gospel lived out in everyday life — opening your door, pouring the lemonade (or the instant coffee, no shame), and saying, “You belong here.”

So go ahead: invite the neighbor even if there are Goldfish crackers crushed into the rug. Serve the frozen pizza proudly. Laugh when the toddler spills juice on the tablecloth you didn’t want to iron anyway.

Because a home built on love and generosity will always outshine a home built on perfect design. And if someone does point out the dust on your ceiling fan? Hand them a rag, thank them for their feedback, and offer them another slice of pizza.

Designing with a little faith, a lot of coffee, and the occasional DIY fail—see you in the next post!  

Gracie's Dedication <3 - Nov 2024