1 Peter 4:9-11 NIV — Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. If anyone speaks, they should do so as one who speaks the very words of God. If anyone serves, they should do so with the strength God provides, so that in all things God may be praised through Jesus Christ. To him be the glory and the power for ever and ever. Amen.

A pineapple has been deemed a symbol of hospitality. In early America the Native Americans would place a pineapple outside their hut if they were receiving visitors. Even today, in many hotels and inns, a pineapple is carved on a sign outside establishments. A carved pineapple or a facsimile of one can be found carved in headboard, on bed posters, or on armoires. In dining rooms, pineapples can be found on the backs of chairs, on wallpaper, cupboard doors, and woven dining linen. Casts in the shape of pineapples are used as hot plates or on the end of silverware, all to impress upon guests that they are welcome.

What signs or symbols represent Christian hospitality to you? Christians often wear crosses or a fish symbol. Click here to read about the Christian meaning of the fish symbol. Jesus offered the greatest act of hospitality through the sacrifice of His body and blood on our behalf. 

Examine symbols you have in your home or items you wear that represent Christ to others. Do you display or wear these symbols with pride, eager to talk with others about the Christian meaning of the symbols? Today be intentional about wearing a Christian symbol and eagerly await the opportunity to offer Christian hospitality.

Let’s pray. Dear God, open my eyes to ways I display symbols of Christian hospitality in my home or items I wear. May I be ready to share Your hospitality with others. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.