Family gatherings around the table to give thanks to God and share a meal have become increasingly rare. What was once a cherished time of connection has been replaced with a quick bite on the run, dinner on a TV tray, or a meal eaten in front of a computer or phone.
Unfortunately, family meals have become reserved for special occasions instead of being a regular rhythm of life. Yet, something powerful happens when we intentionally gather around the table with family and friends.
Prioritize Gathering
As a family, we prefer to think of ourselves as productive—not busy. And one of our priorities is gathering around the table.
That time allows us to connect, share our highs and lows, encourage one another, and give thanks to God for what He has done in our lives.
We’ve made this a lifestyle. It’s just how we roll. We love inviting others to join us for a meal, laughter, and meaningful conversation. These intentional gatherings create space for intimacy, vulnerability, and encouragement—sometimes even tears.
Even our children recognize the importance of gathering and are sensitive to opportunities to invite others into that experience.
Inviting Others To Gather
One year, our son came home from school and shared that one of his classmates was living with relatives because his family was homeless. His parents were divorced, his mom was unable to work due to an illness, and they hadn’t celebrated Christmas in years.
With compassion in his heart, our 14-year-old at the time, asked if we could invite them over for dinner. You can only imagine the joy that filled our hearts! He understood that what we do around our table could bring hope to another family.
Of course, we said yes.
That evening, we shared dinner and dessert, and before they left, we surprised them with gifts under the Christmas tree. Tears filled their eyes with joy as they expressed how overwhelmed and blessed they felt.
That night reminded us of how powerful a simple invitation to the table can be.
Our Gathering Responsibility
Many people hesitate to open their homes. They may feel their house isn’t perfect, or they don’t have enough money or time. But Scripture reminds us that hospitality isn’t about perfection—it’s about obedience and love.
Especially as a believer, hospitality is a characteristic of who we are. In fact, here are just a few verses that encourage us to open our hearts and homes to others:
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Hebrews 13:2 (KJV): “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
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1 Peter 4:9 (NKJV): “Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.”
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Romans 12:13 (NLT): “When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.”
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Luke 14:13–14 (AMPC): “But when you give a banquet or a reception, invite the poor, the disabled, the lame, and the blind. Then you will be blessed… because they have no way of repaying you, and you will be recompensed at the resurrection of the just.”
Hospitality is not about the size of our home or the fanciness of our meal—it’s about making space for God to work through us.
In The End
Even Jesus prioritized gathering around a meal. Before His crucifixion, He shared The Last Supper with those closest to Him (Matthew 26:17–30; 1 Corinthians 11:23–30).
That meal was not just dinner—it was an intimate moment of teaching, serving, and preparing His disciples for what was to come.
He modeled humility by washing their feet and taught them the importance of remembrance through communion.
We may not be able to host large gatherings every night, but we can intentionally make time for small, meaningful ones. Maybe it’s dinner as a family, coffee with a friend who’s struggling, or bringing a meal to someone in need.
“Nothing is better for a man than that he should eat and drink, and that his soul should enjoy good in his labor. This also, I saw, was from the hand of God.” ~ Ecclesiastes 2:24 (NKJV)
The point is: be intentional about gathering with others. Ask the Holy Spirit to show you who might need to experience God’s love through your family, your table, and your conversation.
So we ask you—who will you purpose to gather with this week?
~ André and Timberley Gray
So true! We gain so much by gathering around the table as a family. If someone from the family is unable to come to the table for whatever reason, that person is genuinely missed. Where I still struggle is having people over. I am willing to do it but find that people are reluctant to accept an invitation to dinner. When I have pressed for the real reason why, I have learned that they fear having to return the favor and have us over for a meal. I feel sad about that. The invitations I make have no strings attached. Maybe I’ll suggest a restaurant visit where we each pay for ourselves or a park outing where we each pack a lunch. The important thing is to begin to gather together. Thanks for reminding me of that!
What a beautiful post! We have felt the power and strength in gathering as a family – and always prioritizing this no matter what stage of life. I especially love your thoughts on entertaining, or inviting others to gather with you. A couple of years ago my husband and I decided to start having someone in our neighborhood over once a week. The day was set apart, and became something special as we prepared a meal and our home and oursevles for others to be there. We created lasting relationships that couldn’t have come in any other way. We were so blessed by this exact spirit of gathering that you speak of here. Thank you for sharing!
Oh thank you for sharing and I love that idea what a beautiful tradition with intention and purpose. I am sure all who have sat at your table felt the love of Jesus.