The Unexpected Lessons in a Sink of Dishes: Biblical Stewardship & Hospitality


 It was Sunday morning and I found myself doing dishes. As I turned on my playlist to get my heart in the right space for worship, I noticed the mix in the sink: kids' plates, everyday mugs, and even some of the fancy tea party dishes.

What did these dishes represent? Food, friends, and fun. They were a testament to a weekend of people being welcomed into our home for various events—from a scrapbook get-together and a Bible study to a kids' playdate and a birthday celebration.

My wife has the gift of hospitality, which is the quality of receiving and treating guests in a warm, friendly, and generous way. Whether it's a large party, a Bible study, or just a cup of coffee, we've been blessed to use our home as a place to worship God through hospitality. We don't have a perfect house with everything finished, but we do try to make it a welcoming environment where people can relax and feel at home.

The Bible is clear on this. Leviticus 19:33-34 tells us, “When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt.” This is a powerful echo of the second greatest commandment: to “love your neighbor as yourself” (Matthew 22:39).

Each of us is in a different stage of life and interacts with the world in different ways. Some of us live in grand mansions and others in studio apartments, but we can all worship God and show hospitality with what we've been blessed with.

Have you considered places to show hospitality outside of your home? I've met many people in coffee shops for prayer and Bible studies. Restaurants and library meeting rooms can be great low-cost options. Taking someone to the park for a walk or inviting them to go fishing are other simple ways to share an experience and get to know someone better.

Hospitality as Biblical Stewardship


That sink full of dishes was a clear picture of what it means to be a good steward of what God has given us. The Bible is clear that everything we have—our homes, our time, our money, and our gifts—is from God. We are simply managers of His resources.

When my wife and I use our home for hospitality, we aren't just being friendly; we're practicing biblical stewardship. We are using our blessings to bless others, building up the body of Christ and sharing the love of God. This principle extends far beyond our living rooms. Your career is a mission field, your relationships are an opportunity for ministry, and your financial resources can be a tool for kingdom work. Stewardship isn't about how much we have, but how we use what we have, no matter how large or small.

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Practical Steps for Stewardship in Your Life


So, how do you apply this to your life? Think of your daily life as a series of opportunities for stewardship.

  • Steward Your Time. Look for ways to intentionally invest your time in others. This could be a longer conversation with a coworker or offering to help a friend with a project.

  • Steward Your Relationships. Be a good neighbor, a faithful friend, and an engaged family member. These relationships are a gift from God.

  • Steward Your Resources. This is where financial coaching comes in. Are you managing your money in a way that honors God? Are you giving generously, reducing debt, and building a foundation to support your family and His kingdom? Just like those dishes, your finances can represent more than just numbers—they can represent a life lived for God.


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Whether you live in a mansion or a studio apartment, you have been given an opportunity to be a good steward.

What does your sink of dishes look like today? Is it filled with blessings you've been given, or just a pile of things to be dealt with later? Share your story of hospitality and stewardship in the comments.


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