The Shunamite Woman: Cultivating a Heart of HospitalitySample

A Biblical View of Hospitality

What comes to mind when you think of hospitality? Think of a time when you were the recipient of someone’s hospitality. What touched your heart? What made you feel welcome?

Have you ever found yourself afraid of or nervous about showing hospitality? Sometimes our culture presents a standard of hospitality that feels unattainable. One scroll through social media may influence you to believe that hospitality is all about carefully coordinated color patterns, magazine-worthy homes, or elaborate charcuterie boards. While not inherently bad, these things are not at the heart of hospitality. And often, the very things we think of discourage us from hosting others in our homes because they present an unreachable standard. We think we need a certain size home, or one that passes the white glove test, and enough money and resources to extend hospitality to others. But what if true hospitality is actually very different than what our culture presents? What if it could be a joy-filled, life-giving practice accessible to everyone, regardless of the time or resources they have?

Let’s read about a woman in the Bible who practiced hospitality and see what we learn from her example. You will find the story of the Shunammite woman and Elisha in 2 Kings chapter four.

Reflection Questions

• How do you think the Shunammite woman became aware of Elisha’s need?
• What practical ways did she show hospitality?
• What character qualities or traits did she demonstrate?
• What can we learn about hospitality from this passage?