This might be the best example of “unreasonable hospitality” in Scripture
One day Elisha went to Shunem. And a well-to-do woman was there, who urged him to stay for a meal. So whenever he came by, he stopped there to eat. She said to her husband, “I know that this man who often comes our way is a holy man of God. Let’s make a small room on the roof and put in it a bed and a table, a chair and a lamp for him. Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us.” (2 Kings 4:8-10)
The Shunammite woman in today’s passage shows us a model of hospitality that is both unreasonable and unexpectant.
First, let’s look at how unreasonable her act was. This woman built a room in her house for Elisha, the traveling prophet, which is extraordinary on its own. But then she filled the room with a bed, table, chair, and lamp—everything Elisha would need to do his work on the road. The woman essentially built Elisha an ancient home office. That is unreasonable.
But her hospitality was also unexpectant. She did it expecting nothing in return. Picking up in 2 Kings 4:13, Elisha asks the woman, “‘We appreciate the kind concern you have shown us. What can we do for you? Can we put in a good word for you to the king or to the commander of the army?’ ‘No,’ she replied, ‘my family takes good care of me.’”
Can you imagine how winsome Jesus would look if we, his people, exhibited this type of Shunammite hospitality in the workplace? Because acts of kindness like this make people feel like people in a world that treats them like products.
Here are three ways you can start to show Shunammite hospitality at work today.
#1: Become a biographer of your co-workers.
I know that sounds creepy, but think about it like this. A biographer pays attention to every dimension of a subject's life: their work, family, hobbies, etc. If we view our co-workers this way, it will put us in a position to show incredible love and care.
For example, I've met thousands of readers at events over the years, but one brought me an original copy of Fred Rogers's book on adoption because they knew I love Fred and am an adoptive father. That reader stood out, and we're still friends to this day.
#2: Document the details.
One time a member of my mastermind casually mentioned that he loved Monopoly. Guess what was waiting for them at our next retreat? A rare Monopoly board! But that would have never happened had I not documented that detail the first time I heard it. You can document details like these in a spreadsheet, a CRM, a note on your phone—wherever.
#3: Budget time to make people feel like people.
A couple of times a year, I sit with my documented details and brainstorm remarkable experiences, gifts, etc. for the people I work with. Sometimes these things cost money; many times they don't. I’d encourage you to do the same.
Because you have everything you need in Christ, you are the freest person in your workplace to make someone feel seen and special. Do that for one person this week.
