Welcoming visitors with warmth and kindness is an essential part of Christian hospitality. The Bible offers guidance on how to treat strangers, showing love and care in a way that reflects Christ’s love for us. Here are some key verses and reflections that highlight the importance of welcoming visitors into our lives and communities.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Loving Everyone
Welcoming Strangers
The Bible frequently speaks about the importance of welcoming strangers. By opening our hearts and homes to those we do not know, we demonstrate the love and hospitality that God calls us to show to all people.
Hebrews 13:2
“Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!”
This verse emphasizes the profound impact of hospitality. By welcoming strangers, we might be serving angels unknowingly, reminding us of the sacred nature of hospitality in God’s eyes.
Leviticus 19:34
“Treat them like native-born Israelites, and love them as you love yourself. Remember that you were once foreigners living in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”
God commands us to love and treat strangers with the same respect and care we would show our own people. This verse highlights the empathy and kindness we should extend to all, especially those who are new or different.
Matthew 25:35
“For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home.”
Jesus teaches that by welcoming strangers, we are, in fact, welcoming Him. This verse shows the deep spiritual significance of hospitality, turning a simple act of kindness into an encounter with Christ Himself.
Romans 12:13
“When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.”
This verse encourages us to be proactive in showing hospitality. It calls us to be eager and ready to help others, emphasizing that hospitality is not just a duty, but a joyful practice.
1 Peter 4:9
“Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.”
Hospitality should be given with a cheerful heart. This verse reminds us that the attitude with which we offer hospitality is just as important as the act itself.
The Blessings of Hospitality
When we welcome others, we often receive unexpected blessings in return. The Bible shows that the act of hospitality not only benefits the recipient but also enriches the life of the giver.
Proverbs 11:25
“The generous will prosper; those who refresh others will themselves be refreshed.”
This verse speaks to the reciprocal nature of generosity. When we extend hospitality to others, we too are refreshed and blessed, highlighting the joy that comes from giving.
Acts 20:35
“And I have been a constant example of how you can help those in need by working hard. You should remember the words of the Lord Jesus: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’”
Jesus’ teaching here emphasizes the greater blessing found in giving. When we welcome visitors and provide for their needs, we align ourselves with this principle, experiencing the deeper joy of giving.
2 Corinthians 9:7
“You must each decide in your heart how much to give. And don’t give reluctantly or in response to pressure. ‘For God loves a person who gives cheerfully.’”
This verse reminds us that God values the heart behind our hospitality. Giving and welcoming others should be done out of a genuine desire to bless, not out of obligation.
Luke 6:38
“Give, and you will receive. Your gift will return to you in full—pressed down, shaken together to make room for more, running over, and poured into your lap. The amount you give will determine the amount you get back.”
Jesus assures us that generosity will be rewarded. When we give freely, especially in welcoming others, we open ourselves to abundant blessings in return, both spiritually and materially.
Isaiah 58:7
“Share your food with the hungry, and give shelter to the homeless. Give clothes to those who need them, and do not hide from relatives who need your help.”
Isaiah calls us to a practical and active hospitality. By providing for the physical needs of others, we fulfill God’s commands and reflect His love in tangible ways, bringing blessing to both ourselves and those we help.
Welcoming Visitors in the Church
The church is a place where all should feel welcomed. These verses focus on the importance of creating an inclusive and loving environment for visitors in our faith communities.
James 2:2-4
“For example, suppose someone comes into your meeting dressed in fancy clothes and expensive jewelry, and another comes in who is poor and dressed in dirty clothes. If you give special attention and a good seat to the rich person, but you say to the poor one, ‘You can stand over there, or else sit on the floor’—well, doesn’t this discrimination show that your judgments are guided by evil motives?”
This passage warns against favoritism in the church. Every visitor, regardless of their status or appearance, should be treated with equal respect and love, reflecting the inclusive nature of God’s kingdom.
Romans 15:7
“Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.”
We are called to welcome others just as Christ has welcomed us. This verse highlights the importance of acceptance and unity within the church, glorifying God through our hospitality.
1 Corinthians 12:25-26
“This makes for harmony among the members, so that all the members care for each other. If one part suffers, all the parts suffer with it, and if one part is honored, all the parts are glad.”
The church is a body where all members are interconnected. Welcoming visitors and ensuring they feel a part of this body is crucial to maintaining the unity and care that should characterize the Christian community.
Galatians 3:28
“There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
In Christ, all are equal. This verse reminds us that every visitor, regardless of background or identity, is part of the same family in Christ, deserving of equal love and welcome in the church.
3 John 1:5-6
“Dear friend, you are being faithful to God when you care for the traveling teachers who pass through, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church here of your loving friendship. Please continue providing for such teachers in a manner that pleases God.”
John commends those who care for traveling teachers and strangers, encouraging the church to continue this practice. This verse underscores the importance of supporting and welcoming those who serve in ministry, even if they are unfamiliar to us.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Putting Others First
Examples of Hospitality in the Bible
The Bible provides many examples of individuals who showed great hospitality. These stories inspire us to follow their example and offer a warm welcome to those who cross our paths.
Genesis 18:1-5
“The Lord appeared again to Abraham near the oak grove belonging to Mamre. One day Abraham was sitting at the entrance to his tent during the hottest part of the day. He looked up and noticed three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he ran to meet them and welcomed them, bowing low to the ground. ‘My lord,’ he said, ‘if it pleases you, stop here for a while. Rest in the shade of this tree while water is brought to wash your feet. And since you’ve honored your servant with this visit, let me prepare some food to refresh you before you continue on your journey.'”
Abraham’s hospitality towards the three visitors, who were divine messengers, is a powerful example of welcoming strangers with generosity and respect. His actions show that hospitality can lead to encounters with the divine.
1 Kings 17:10-16
“So he went to Zarephath. As he arrived at the gates of the village, he saw a widow gathering sticks, and he asked her, ‘Would you please bring me a little water in a cup?’ As she was going to get it, he called to her, ‘Bring me a bite of bread, too.’ But she said, ‘I swear by the Lord your God that I don’t have a single piece of bread in the house. And I have only a handful of flour left in the jar and a little cooking oil in the bottom of the jug. I was just gathering a few sticks to cook this last meal, and then my son and I will die.’ But Elijah said to her, ‘Don’t be afraid! Go ahead and do just what you’ve said, but make a little bread for me first. Then use what’s left to prepare a meal for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: There will always be flour and olive oil left in your containers until the time when the Lord sends rain and the crops grow again!’ So she did as Elijah said, and she and Elijah and her family continued to eat for many days. There was always enough flour and olive oil left in the containers, just as the Lord had promised through Elijah.”
The widow of Zarephath’s act of hospitality towards Elijah, even when she had almost nothing, resulted in a miraculous provision from God. This story shows that even in scarcity, welcoming others can lead to divine blessings.
2 Kings 4:8-10
“One day Elisha went to the town of Shunem. A wealthy woman lived there, and she urged him to come to her home for a meal. After that, whenever he passed that way, he would stop there for something to eat. She said to her husband, ‘I am sure this man who stops in from time to time is a holy man of God. Let’s build a small room for him on the roof and furnish it with a bed, a table, a chair, and a lamp. Then he will have a place to stay whenever he comes by.'”
The Shunammite woman’s hospitality towards Elisha led to her receiving a son as a blessing from God. Her willingness to provide a place of rest for the prophet reflects the reward that often accompanies generous hospitality.
Luke 10:38-42
“As Jesus and the disciples continued on their way to Jerusalem, they came to a certain village where a woman named Martha welcomed him into her home. Her sister, Mary, sat at the Lord’s feet, listening to what he taught. But Martha was distracted by the big dinner she was preparing. She came to Jesus and said, ‘Lord, doesn’t it seem unfair to you that my sister just sits here while I do all the work? Tell her to come and help me.’ But the Lord said to her, ‘My dear Martha, you are worried and upset over all these details! There is only one thing worth being concerned about. Mary has discovered it, and it will not be taken away from her.'”
Martha’s hospitality towards Jesus is met with a lesson about the importance of spiritual nourishment over busyness. While hospitality is important, this story reminds us to also focus on the presence of our guests, particularly when they bring spiritual wisdom.
Acts 16:14-15
“One of them was Lydia from Thyatira, a merchant of expensive purple cloth, who worshiped God. As she listened to us, the Lord opened her heart, and she accepted what Paul was saying. She and her household were baptized, and she asked us to be her guests. ‘If you agree that I am a true believer in the Lord,’ she said, ‘come and stay at my home.’ And she urged us until we agreed.”
Lydia’s hospitality towards Paul and his companions is a testament to the early Christian practice of welcoming believers into one’s home. Her actions demonstrate the close-knit community and generosity that characterized the early church.
Hospitality Reflecting God’s Love
Showing hospitality is a way to reflect God’s love to others. The Bible teaches that when we open our hearts and homes, we demonstrate God’s love in a tangible way, inviting others to experience His grace through our actions.
1 John 4:19
“We love each other because he loved us first.”
Our ability to love others, including welcoming them into our lives, stems from the love God has shown us. This verse reminds us that our hospitality is a reflection of the divine love we have received.
John 13:34-35
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”
Jesus commands us to love others as He has loved us. When we welcome visitors with love and care, we bear witness to our discipleship, showing the world what it means to follow Christ.
1 Corinthians 13:1
“If I could speak all the languages of earth and of angels, but didn’t love others, I would only be a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal.”
Paul teaches that without love, our actions are meaningless. This verse underscores the importance of love in our hospitality, reminding us that the heart behind our actions matters more than the actions themselves.
Colossians 3:14
“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.”
Love is the bond that unites us. This verse encourages us to let love be the guiding principle in all we do, including how we welcome and treat visitors, creating harmony in our relationships.
1 Peter 1:22
“You were cleansed from your sins when you obeyed the truth, so now you must show sincere love to each other as brothers and sisters. Love each other deeply with all your heart.”
Peter calls for sincere and deep love among believers. This love is the foundation of true hospitality, where visitors are welcomed not just with words, but with a heartfelt and genuine care.
The Call to Serve Others
Service is at the heart of Christian hospitality. By welcoming and serving others, we follow Christ’s example and fulfill His command to love our neighbors as ourselves.
Matthew 20:28
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give his life as a ransom for many.”
Jesus’ example of service sets the standard for how we should approach hospitality. By serving others, we follow in His footsteps, offering ourselves in love and humility.
Galatians 5:13
“For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But don’t use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love.”
Paul encourages believers to use their freedom to serve others. This verse reminds us that hospitality is not just a duty but an expression of the love and freedom we have in Christ.
Philippians 2:4
“Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”
This verse challenges us to prioritize the needs of others, especially when welcoming them into our homes or communities. True hospitality considers and meets the needs of others, reflecting the selflessness of Christ.
1 Timothy 6:18
“Tell them to use their money to do good. They should be rich in good works and generous to those in need, always being ready to share with others.”
Paul instructs Timothy to encourage believers to be generous and ready to share with others. This verse calls us to be proactive in our hospitality, using our resources to bless those around us.
Mark 9:35
“He sat down, called the twelve disciples over to him, and said, ‘Whoever wants to be first must take last place and be the servant of everyone else.'”
Jesus teaches that true greatness comes from serving others. This verse reminds us that in welcoming visitors, we are embracing a position of humility and service, following Christ’s example of selfless love.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Neighbors
What Does the Bible Say About Welcoming Visitors
Welcoming visitors is a significant theme in the Bible, and it highlights the importance of hospitality, kindness, and love toward others. Throughout the scriptures, we find numerous examples and teachings that emphasize how believers should treat those who come into their homes or communities, whether they are strangers, guests, or newcomers. The Bible consistently encourages an attitude of openness and warmth, reflecting God’s love for all people.
One of the most well-known passages that speak about welcoming visitors is found in the book of Hebrews, where it is written that believers should not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it. This passage reminds Christians of the potential significance of every encounter with a visitor, suggesting that kindness to strangers can have unexpected and divine consequences. It also implies that every visitor should be treated with the same respect and care that one would offer to a close friend or family member, recognizing their inherent value as individuals.
The concept of hospitality in the Bible goes beyond mere politeness or social custom; it is deeply rooted in the commandment to love others as oneself. In the Old Testament, God instructed the Israelites to care for the foreigner residing among them, reminding them that they were once strangers in Egypt. This commandment reflects God’s concern for the vulnerable and the outsider, urging His people to extend their care and protection to those who might otherwise be neglected or mistreated. The emphasis on welcoming strangers is a recurring theme, underscoring the importance of compassion and empathy in the life of a believer.
Jesus Himself demonstrated the importance of welcoming others throughout His ministry. He often spent time with those who were marginalized or overlooked by society, such as tax collectors, sinners, and the poor. His interactions with these individuals were marked by kindness, acceptance, and a willingness to engage with them on a personal level, regardless of their social status or background. By doing so, Jesus set an example for His followers, showing them that true hospitality involves more than just opening one’s home; it requires opening one’s heart to others, even those who may be different or unfamiliar.
The parable of the Good Samaritan further illustrates the biblical principle of welcoming visitors, particularly those in need. In this story, a man is beaten and left for dead by the side of the road, and while others pass by without helping, a Samaritan stops to care for him. The Samaritan’s actions demonstrate the essence of hospitality—he not only provides immediate help but also ensures the man is taken care of until he recovers. This parable teaches that hospitality is not limited to inviting someone into your home; it is about actively seeking to meet the needs of others, regardless of who they are or where they come from.
Moreover, the Bible also addresses the blessings associated with welcoming visitors. In the book of Matthew, Jesus tells His disciples that whoever receives a righteous person in the name of a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward, and whoever gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones because he is a disciple will by no means lose his reward. This passage highlights the value that God places on acts of kindness and hospitality, promising that those who extend such grace to others will be rewarded.
In summary, the Bible places a high value on welcoming visitors, encouraging believers to practice hospitality with a sincere heart. This welcoming attitude is not just a social expectation but a reflection of God’s love and care for all people. By treating visitors with kindness, respect, and generosity, Christians are not only obeying God’s commandments but also serving as a testament to the love of Christ. Through hospitality, believers have the opportunity to make a significant impact on the lives of others, creating a welcoming environment that reflects the inclusive and loving nature of God.