To be honest, I groaned when I saw this book as I expected it to be yet another lecture on opening your home and having people over for dinner as a Christian duty. Having felt rather burned out after decades of welcoming many people into our various homes, I had enjoyed the break that came with the pandemic! Once I had got over my preconceptions I found that this book was more about attitude than recipes.
Carolyn Lacey explores the biblical concept that hospitality is about welcoming strangers. She writes about seven ways of welcoming people by following Jesus’ example: generosity, compassion, humility, persistence, awareness of others, inclusivity and being sacrificial. The Scriptures used throughout are challenging and the examples shared are relevant to today’s church. There is some advice about recipes too! The questions for reflection mean that it is not possible to put this book down without being challenged.