Hospitality is a cherished virtue, and the Bible encourages us to welcome and care for visitors with love and open arms. Join us as we explore verses that emphasize the importance of hospitality and its impact on our relationships with others.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Ants
Bible Verses About Welcoming Visitors
Romans 12:13
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of welcoming others into our lives and homes. It encourages believers to share what they have with those in need and to practice hospitality, showing kindness and generosity to strangers and visitors.
Hebrews 13:2
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”
Here, we are reminded to be open and welcoming to strangers, as we never know who they might be and what blessings they could bring. By showing hospitality, we have the opportunity to extend God’s love and care to those around us.
1 Peter 4:9
“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”
This verse encourages believers to practice hospitality without complaint or hesitation. It reminds us that our acts of kindness and welcome should come from a sincere and selfless heart.
Luke 9:4-5
“Whatever house you enter, stay there until you leave that town. If people do not welcome you, leave their town and shake the dust off your feet as a testimony against them.”
Jesus teaches his disciples the importance of finding and staying in a welcoming home when they go out to share the good news. However, he also instructs them to move on if they are not received with hospitality, and to leave a testimony against those who reject them.
Matthew 10:40-42
“Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”
Jesus teaches that when we welcome and receive his disciples, we are welcoming and receiving him. There is great reward in showing hospitality to those who represent Christ, even in simple acts such as offering a drink of water. God sees and rewards our hospitality.
Matthew 25:35
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in”
In this verse, Jesus speaks about the ultimate expression of hospitality. He highlights the significance of feeding the hungry, giving drink to the thirsty, and inviting strangers into our lives. When we do these things, we are doing them for him.
Acts 10:24
“The following day he arrived in Caesarea. Cornelius was expecting them and had called together his relatives and close friends.”
Here, we see Cornelius eagerly anticipating the arrival of Peter and his companions. He not only prepared to welcome them but also gathered his loved ones to join in the encounter. This verse demonstrates the joy and enthusiasm that can accompany welcoming visitors into our homes and hearts.
2 Kings 4:8-10
“One day Elisha went to Shunem. And a well-to-do woman was there, who urged him to stay for a meal. So whenever he came by, he stopped there to eat. She said to her husband, ‘I know that this man who often comes our way is a holy man of God. Let’s make a small room on the roof and put in it a bed and a table, a chair and a lamp for him. Then he can stay there whenever he comes to us.'”
Here, we witness the story of a woman who recognized the servant of God and eagerly extended hospitality to him. She went above and beyond to create a special space for him to stay, demonstrating her appreciation and reverence for his presence.
1 Timothy 5:10
“and is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.”
In this verse, the apostle Paul commends a widow who has a reputation for showing hospitality. It highlights the importance of this act of kindness and recognizes it as one of the many good deeds that reflect a faithful and devoted life in Christ.
Genesis 18:2-5
“Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground. He said, ‘If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.'”
In this story, Abraham demonstrates hospitality by quickly welcoming and serving three strangers. He offers them water to wash their feet, a place to rest, and food to refresh them. This example shows the selflessness and eagerness to bless others that hospitality involves.
3 John 1:5-8
“Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. Please help them to continue their journey in a manner worthy of God. For they went out for the sake of the Name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. Therefore, we ought to support such people, so that we may become coworkers with the truth.”
In this passage, the apostle John commends a fellow believer for his hospitality towards traveling missionaries. He acknowledges the goodness of showing love to strangers and encourages the continuation of this support. Hospitality plays a key role in supporting and enabling the work of those who serve God’s purposes.
Acts 28:7-8
“There was an estate nearby that belonged to Publius, the chief official of the island. He welcomed us to his home and showed us generous hospitality for three days. His father was sick in bed, suffering from fever and dysentery. Paul went in to see him and, after prayer, placed his hands on him and healed him.”
In this account, Publius warmly welcomes Paul and his companions into his home and extends generous hospitality to them. As a result, Paul is able to minister and bring healing to Publius’ sick father. This story exemplifies the powerful impact that hospitality can have on both the guest and the host.
Matthew 10:11-13
“Whatever town or village you enter, search there for some worthy person and stay at their house until you leave. As you enter the home, give it your greeting. If the home is deserving, let your peace rest on it; if it is not, let your peace return to you.”
Here, Jesus instructs his disciples on the practice of hospitality. He encourages them to search for worthy individuals who will welcome them into their homes. If a home proves to be unwelcoming or unworthy, they are to withdraw their peace and move on. This teaches us the importance of discernment in choosing where to extend our hospitality.
Ruth 2:14-16
“At mealtime, Boaz said to her, ‘Come here; have some bread and dip it in the wine vinegar.’ When she sat down with the harvesters, he offered her some roasted grain. She ate all she wanted and had some left over. As she got up to glean, Boaz gave orders to his men, ‘Let her gather among the sheaves and don’t reprimand her. Even pull out some stalks for her from the bundles and leave them for her to pick up, and don’t rebuke her.'”
This story depicts Boaz welcoming Ruth, a stranger, and providing for her needs. He shows her kindness by offering food, instructing his workers to allow her to gather grain, and ensuring her safety and provision. Boaz’s actions demonstrate the importance of showing hospitality to those in need.
Matthew 10:14
“If anyone will not welcome you or listen to your words, leave that home or town and shake the dust off your feet.”
Jesus provides his disciples with instructions on how to respond to those who do not welcome them or reject their message. They are to move on, leaving behind any negative experiences, and continue their mission elsewhere. This verse reminds us that not everyone will be receptive to hospitality, and we should not force ourselves upon those who do not want it.
2 Samuel 6:11-12
“Now the ark of the Lord remained in the house of Obed-Edom the Gittite for three months, and the Lord blessed him and all his household. So David was told, ‘The Lord has blessed the household of Obed-Edom and everything he has because of the ark of God.’ So David went to bring up the ark of God from the house of Obed-Edom to the City of David with rejoicing.”
In this passage, Obed-Edom demonstrates hospitality by willingly hosting the ark of the Lord in his house. As a result, God blesses Obed-Edom and his entire household. This story illustrates the potential blessings that can come from welcoming God’s presence into our lives and homes.
Luke 10:8-9
“When you enter a town and are welcomed, eat what is offered to you. Heal the sick who are there and tell them, ‘The kingdom of God has come near to you.'”
Jesus advises his disciples on what to do when they are welcomed into a town. They are to partake of the food offered to them, minister to the sick, and proclaim the nearness of the kingdom of God. Welcoming hospitality creates an environment where the work of God can flourish and impact lives.
1 Kings 17:9-16
“‘Go at once to Zarephath in the region of Sidon and stay there. I have directed a widow there to supply you with food.’ So he went to Zarephath. When he came to the town gate, a widow was there gathering sticks. He called to her and asked, ‘Would you bring me a little water in a jar so I may have a drink?’ As she was going to get it, he called, ‘And bring me, please, a piece of bread.’ ‘As surely as the Lord your God lives,’ she replied, ‘I don’t have any bread—only a handful of flour in a jar and a little olive oil in a jug. I am gathering a few sticks to take home and make a meal for myself and my son, that we may eat it—and die.’ Elijah said to her, ‘Don’t be afraid. Go home and do as you have said. But first make a small loaf of bread for me from what you have and bring it to me, and then make something for yourself and your son. For this is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: ‘The jar of flour will not be used up and the jug of oil will not run dry until the day the Lord sends rain on the land.’ She went away and did as Elijah had told her. So there was food every day for Elijah and for the woman and her family. For the jar of flour was not used up and the jug of oil did not run dry, in keeping with the word of the Lord spoken by Elijah.”
In this powerful story, Elijah encounters a widow who is preparing what she believes will be her last meal for herself and her son. However, Elijah asks her to first make him a small loaf of bread from her limited resources. In faith and obedience, she fulfills Elijah’s request, and miraculously, her flour and oil do not run out. This account illustrates the rewards of practicing hospitality, even when our resources seem meager.
Matthew 25:37-40
“Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'”
Jesus teaches that when we show hospitality and meet the needs of others, we are serving and ministering to him. This passage emphasizes the profound connection between our acts of kindness and care towards others and our love and service to Christ himself.
Leviticus 19:33-34
“When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”
God instructs the Israelites to show love and kindness to foreigners who reside among them. They are to be treated as equals and not subjected to mistreatment. This commandment has a deep-seated message of welcoming strangers and treating them with the same love and respect that we would want for ourselves.
Matthew 7:12
“So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets.”
Jesus teaches his followers the principle of treating others as we would want to be treated. This command encompasses all aspects of hospitality, reminding us to extend kindness and welcome to others, just as we desire to be treated ourselves.
Proverbs 31:20-21
“She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of them are clothed in scarlet.”
The virtuous woman in this passage demonstrates the heart of hospitality by opening her arms to the poor and extending help to the needy. She ensures the well-being and provision not just for her family but also for others, showcasing the importance of giving and showing care to those in need.
Joshua 2:1-4
“Then Joshua son of Nun secretly sent two spies from Shittim. ‘Go, look over the land,’ he said, ‘especially Jericho.’ So they went and entered the house of a prostitute named Rahab and stayed there. The king of Jericho was told, ‘Look, some of the Israelites have come here tonight to spy out the land.’ So the king of Jericho sent this message to Rahab: ‘Bring out the men who came to you and entered your house, because they have come to spy out the whole land.'”
In this account, Rahab, a prostitute, hospitality by providing shelter and protection to the Israelite spies who entered her home. She risked her life to save theirs and even went on to play a significant role in the deliverance of her city. Rahab’s actions display the transformative power of hospitality and the incredible outcomes that can result from it.
What Does the Bible Say About Welcoming Visitors?
In the Bible, we are encouraged to welcome visitors with open arms and hospitality. In Hebrews 13:2, it says, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.” This verse reminds us that we should treat all visitors with kindness and love, as we never know who they might be or what they might need.
We also see examples of hospitality and welcoming visitors in the Old Testament, such as Abraham graciously hosting three strangers who turned out to be angels in disguise (Genesis 18). This story reminds us of the importance of being open to welcoming and serving others, even when they are strangers to us.
Furthermore, in the New Testament, the early Christians were encouraged to practice hospitality. Romans 12:13 urges us to “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” This shows that welcoming visitors and showing them kindness is an essential part of our Christian walk.
Moreover, in 1 Peter 4:9, we are told to “offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” This verse emphasizes the attitude with which we should welcome visitors – with joy and a willing heart.
Ultimately, the Bible teaches us that welcoming visitors is a way of showing love and grace to others, and it reflects the character of Christ. By extending hospitality to strangers, we have the opportunity to demonstrate Christ’s love and make a positive impact on those who enter our lives.