The Bible is filled with teachings about welcoming others with love, kindness, and a spirit of unity. From embracing strangers to offering hospitality, these scriptures remind us of God’s desire for us to reflect His love through our actions. Here, we explore key themes about welcoming others, supported by powerful Bible verses.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Welcoming Visitors
Welcoming the Stranger
The Bible encourages us to extend hospitality to strangers, recognizing that in doing so, we might be serving the Lord. God’s heart for the foreigner and outsider reminds us of our call to love everyone, no matter their background or origin.
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.”
Hebrews 13:2
“Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!”
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.”
Deuteronomy 10:19
“So you, too, must show love to foreigners, for you yourselves were once foreigners in the land of Egypt.”
Romans 12:13
“When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality.”
Welcoming with Love
Love is the foundation of all Christian hospitality. The Bible calls us to welcome others with open hearts, reflecting God’s love in our interactions and relationships.
1 Peter 4:8-9
“Most important of all, continue to show deep love for each other, for love covers a multitude of sins. Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.”
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.”
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.”
Colossians 3:14
“Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.”
1 John 4:7
“Dear friends, let us continue to love one another, for love comes from God. Anyone who loves is a child of God and knows God.”
Welcoming One Another
Unity within the body of Christ is emphasized throughout the Bible. We are called to welcome one another, just as Christ has welcomed us into His family.
Romans 15:7
“Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.”
Galatians 6:2
“Share each other’s burdens, and in this way obey the law of Christ.”
Philippians 2:3-4
“Don’t be selfish; don’t try to impress others. Be humble, thinking of others as better than yourselves. Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too.”
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“So encourage each other and build each other up, just as you are already doing.”
Ephesians 4:32
“Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.”
Welcoming God’s Presence
God welcomes us into His presence with open arms, offering grace, love, and forgiveness. These verses remind us to seek Him and rest in His welcoming embrace.
Matthew 11:28
“Then Jesus said, ‘Come to me, all of you who are weary and carry heavy burdens, and I will give you rest.'”
Psalm 95:6
“Come, let us worship and bow down. Let us kneel before the Lord our maker.”
James 4:8
“Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world.”
Isaiah 55:1
“Is anyone thirsty? Come and drink—even if you have no money! Come, take your choice of wine or milk—it’s all free!”
Revelation 3:20
“Look! I stand at the door and knock. If you hear my voice and open the door, I will come in, and we will share a meal together as friends.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Returning Home
Welcoming the Little Ones
Jesus showed great love and care for children, welcoming them with open arms. These verses encourage us to value and nurture the youngest among us.
Mark 9:37
“Anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes not only me but also my Father who sent me.”
Matthew 18:5
“And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf is welcoming me.”
Luke 18:16
“Then Jesus called for the children and said to the disciples, ‘Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of God belongs to those who are like these children.'”
Proverbs 22:6
“Direct your children onto the right path, and when they are older, they will not leave it.”
Psalm 127:3
“Children are a gift from the Lord; they are a reward from him.”
Welcoming in Unity
Unity is a hallmark of the Christian community. These verses call us to welcome one another with a spirit of harmony and peace, reflecting God’s desire for unity among His people.
Psalm 133:1
“How wonderful and pleasant it is when brothers live together in harmony!”
Ephesians 4:3
“Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.”
Colossians 3:15
“And let the peace that comes from Christ rule in your hearts. For as members of one body you are called to live in peace. And always be thankful.”
1 Corinthians 1:10
“I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.”
John 17:21
“I pray that they will all be one, just as you and I are one—as you are in me, Father, and I am in you. And may they be in us so that the world will believe you sent me.”
Welcoming the Least of These
Jesus teaches us to serve and welcome those in need, showing love and compassion to the marginalized. These verses inspire us to extend kindness to the least of these.
Matthew 25:40
“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'”
Proverbs 19:17
“If you help the poor, you are lending to the Lord—and he will repay you!”
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.”
Luke 14:13-14
“Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then at the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you.”
James 1:27
“Pure and genuine religion in the sight of God the Father means caring for orphans and widows in their distress and refusing to let the world corrupt you.”