Reflections on Biblical Hospitality

Concerning the idea of hospitality

While I'm aware that the notion of hospitality is in the bible for a long time, it is only through this module that I realise hospitality is so central to the Christian faith. Through the discussions on hospitality, I have learned that it is way more than the common concept of the term which we use in present day. Through examining the context of the New Testament, I've learned that hospitality is a vital expression of love at that time. Furthermore, hospitality involves more than just the expression of providing food, shelter and meeting the needs of a person, but is rooted in active love and respect for him. Understanding the motivation behind biblical hospitality enables me to see how it can be applied in the contemporary context - rather than providing a place to stay in and beyond giving a treat to a meal, I can practise hospitality through expressing acceptance in relationship, and watching out for the needs of a person and meeting them to the extent which I am able to. The idea of hospitality certainly enlarges my perspective on what it means to love another in practical ways, and gives me new motivation to be proactive in building relationships with strangers.

Concerning hospitality in my role as a teacher

As a teacher, I have known that I play a major role in determining the learning environment of my class. The idea of hospitality further challenges me that I am responsible to be a host to my students in the learning process, and I have the opportunity to empower them in their learning. By examining how I teach through the lens of hospitality, I realise that I have done right in certain certain, but need to improve in others.

For the right things, I have sought to build relationships with my students in the classroom, so that it establishes a conducive environment for them to ask questions. While initially this was awkward, I find that I am getting better at this as I continue to make effort in this area. The idea of hospitality encourages me to continue to work in this area as one aspect to improve learning for my students. Another area which I think I have done right is to regularly ask questions to probe my students to think deeper, and to respond to questions with questions instead of giving them answers straight away. This enables them to arrive at the solutions on their own instead of me telling them the correct answers. After learning about creating learning space, I see the possibility of trying new ideas to enable the students to arrive at the solutions on their own instead of being spoon fed by me.

For the wrong things, I realised that sometimes when students kept asking questions, I grow impatient and just give them the answers directly. On the same idea of learning space, I should stop them from expecting the answers from me, and instead try to work out the solution on their own or discuss with each other to check their reasoning and answers. Another thing I realise is that I tend to marginalise those who misbehave in class in the way I reprimand them. While discipline in class is necessary, I should have been more balanced in both reprimand and encouragement, so that I help to redirect their energy towards learning.

Concerning my inclination towards hospitality

As I reflect on the discussions on hospitality, I realise that I am not really a hospitable person. This is partly due to my family environment - my mother tends to be quite private and do not welcome guests often. Moreover, it is customary among relatives that we gather at the elder uncle or aunt's place, so relative visitation to my home is rare. My house is also quite small (3-room flat), and is not very conducive to host visitors. Furthermore, I find it a hassle to invite friends to my house, when I need to clean up and prepare the place for them - I would rather meet them outside at a restaurant with a nice ambience, and enjoy our time there!

Perhaps when I get a place of my own, I can made deliberate effort to invite friends over, or to have an available room to host oversea visitors - both my friends and missionaries.