Unity and Hospitality

How good and pleasant it is when brethren live together in unity! Psalm 133:1

I have looked at this biblical verse many times, and my eye has always landed on that word: unity. It is a powerful word. It is a healthy word. As the psalmist describes it, it is a good and pleasant word.

But then I looked at the rest of the verse and found myself asking: Why is it good and pleasant when “brethren” live together in unity? What about the rest of the world? Does the psalmist not care about others? Is it a bad thing when people who aren’t “brethren” dwell in unity?

Of course, I think asking who my brethren are really misses the point of the whole thing. Cain clobbered his sibling because he saw Abel as a rival for God’s affection; he saw Abel as an “other” and not as a “brother.” How sad.

I don’t think the psalmist is limiting his discussion of unity to people related by blood – families, tribes, or nations. Rather, I think this passage is more global in scope than that. I think it is fair to say that it is good and pleasant when humans live together (dwell) in unity, for unity simply means learning to be at peace with those around us.

Unity is not an automatic. Human beings are selfish and egotistical. Siblings often squabble and fight for their place in the family, while others scrap for their place in the world. We have to learn how to share; we have to learn how to be kind and thoughtful; we have to learn how to develop a peaceable kingdom, if you will. These things don’t come naturally to us. We have to learn them, and one key to learning is a little thing called hospitality.

Hospitality is a spiritual practice; it is one of the ways we learn to discover and develop the bonds of friendship. When you want to know someone better, you invite them to your home. You offer them something to drink, something to eat, and you focus your attention on them. Their comfort and well-being is your goal. They are not a subject to be studied, nor an object to be used, but an equal to be respected.

Hospitality does not come to us naturally, but it is a spiritual practice that can be learned and developed. Is it important? I think so. Hospitality helps us learn to honor differences and to celebrate diversity. Hospitality invites others to share their experience, strength, and hope in such a way that each benefits. Hospitality is bi-directional, so that others gain from what we bring to the table as well. Our bonds are strengthened as we discover what we share in common – even if it only our humanity.

Hospitality is a spiritual foundation upon which we can build a framework of compassion, justice, and peace. The more hospitable we are, the greater is our experience of joy and peace; the better able we are to be charitable and kind; and the stronger will be our sense of unity and well-being.

So, how might one become more hospitable? How might one grow in this area of their life?

First, look for opportunities to join with other people. For every celebration, such as a birthday or anniversary, balance it with a visit to hospital, nursing home, or with those who hurt. Get out of your comfort zone and find opportunities to be there for the “other.” Make “going” your sacrifice of thanksgiving. No, a phone call is not enough; a card is not enough; an email is not enough. Move your body. Spirituality doesn’t get more real than that.

Secondly, be a learner. Invite people to share their stories. Ask them to share their hopes and dreams, and then ask yourself how you might be of service to them on their journey. Do good things and share, says the Bible, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased.

That’s the essence of hospitality and unity; at least that’s what I think in this, our valley.