I dearly love to entertain. Preparing a guest list and planning the menu, table setting and centerpiece just rock my world! Over the years I’ve learned to finish shopping and housework ahead of time so “the day of” I can tackle my favorite parts: cooking and baking, choosing the wine, the music, the lighting. I like to be relaxed, light the candles and have everything just so when the doorbell rings.


But all my best efforts become mere
entertainment if my focus centers on prideful display or personal fulfillment. Christian hospitality is always about others, being sensitive to individual needs…and meeting them. If the guests in our homes don’t experience that, our investment in fine food or a perfect house and table is just showing off.


The apostle Paul devoted the entirety of today’s Scripture reading to the importance of love as the foundation for each and every gift of the Holy Spirit. Without it, even our best efforts become a “resounding gong, or a clanging cymbal,” and we labor in vain.