Tonight I went out with a friend to a Turkish restaurant here in Nashville. It is one of my favorite places to eat, but my friend had never been there; naturally, I introduced him to its splendor. Although the food was of high quality, which no doubt facilitated the ambiance of the evening, the food itself was not the sole progenitor of our jubilant communion. The atmosphere of the restaurant was authentic, serene, and relaxed. The conversation, granted I did most of talking, was pleasant and light. We shared a mutual joy over the care put into the meal’s preparation, and the fantastic quality of our dining experience. We then went to Starbucks, enjoyed coffee, and the laid back environment that Starbucks usually offers. 

Tonight’s escapades reminded me of a few Bible verses: 

Psalm 34.8 “Oh taste and see that the Lord is good…”

Acts 2.46 “And day by day, attending the temple together and breaking bread in their homes, they received their food with glad and generous hearts“

Romans 12.13 “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.“

There is something to be said about sharing a meal with people. In almost every culture through out time the most intimate and common form of bonding within a culture occurred at the dinner table. There is something about sharing a meal together that removes our inhibitions and hostilities. Even the most reserved people enjoy dining in a small group setting. We seem to be designed to enjoy food and the companionship of others. The Psalm I quote speaks of tasting the goodness of the Lord. Elsewhere, the Bible mentions that God both satisfies the need and desire that we have with good things. The Christians in Acts shared everything in common and supped together daily, which strengthened their unity, and no doubt served to help them stand against the persecution to come. In Romans, Paul exhorts the believers to seek out opportunities to extend hospitality to anyone and everyone. Jesus himself frequently speaks on the importance of hospitality to everyone; we also see him frequently enjoying meals with others, where he could teach and commune on a personal, intimate level. 

I wonder how much diplomatic tension could be resolved over a good lamb kebab and Turkish coffee? Seriously, there is something about sharing a meal together that encourages us to seek common ground and peace among our fellow man, regardless of the vast diversity we have. Obviously, total peace is impossible without the return of Christ. However, Scriptures command us “as much as is within your power, live peaceably with all men”. The idea expressed is intentional; it is that seeking element, even a yearning. Intentional, planned, sought after, longed for. This is the attitude we should have toward hospitality, and communion. We best demonstrate a love for each other and those around us by being intentional, purposeful, and hospitable.

Seek to share a meal with someone. Eat with a friend. Eat with a professor. Eat with an enemy. Eat with a homeless man. Eat with family. Eat with, man. Share the love, communion, and common grace that God so freely pours on us all, and desires to see manifest in His image-bearing creation.