The Bible highly values hospitality, urging us to open our homes and hearts to others. Scripture teaches that kindness to strangers reflects God’s love. Through hospitality, we can welcome others and show care, following God’s command to serve and love our neighbors genuinely.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Inheritance
What Does The Bible Say About Hospitality
Genesis 18:1-8
“The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. 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.’ ‘Very well,’ they answered, ‘do as you say.’ So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah. ‘Quick,’ he said, ‘get three seahs of the finest flour and knead it and bake some bread.’ Then he ran to the herd and selected a choice, tender calf and gave it to a servant, who hurried to prepare it.”
This passage highlights Abraham’s hospitality towards three strangers who turned out to be the Lord and two angels. Abraham eagerly welcomed them, bowed before them, and offered them water to wash their feet and rest under a tree. He provided food, including freshly baked bread and a choice calf. This demonstrates the importance of showing kindness and generosity to strangers, as well as the blessings that can come from extending hospitality.
Abraham’s actions serve as a model for Christians to practice hospitality, not only to family and friends but also to those we encounter in our daily lives. When we open our hearts and homes to others, we reflect the love of God and create opportunities for divine encounters.
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.”
Jesus emphasizes the significance of directly meeting the needs of others, especially those who are hungry, thirsty, or strangers. This verse portrays hospitality as an act of compassion and love. Through acts of kindness and generosity, such as providing food, water, and welcoming strangers, we demonstrate our devotion to Christ.
As Christians, we are called to be instruments of God’s grace and hospitality, showing His love to those in need. By reaching out to others and meeting their physical and emotional needs, we become vessels of God’s provision and blessing for them.
1 Peter 4:9
“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”
Peter encourages believers to practice hospitality willingly and without complaint. This verse highlights the attitude with which we should extend hospitality, emphasizing the importance of doing so with a joyful and willing heart. True hospitality is not just about fulfilling a duty but about demonstrating genuine care and concern for others.
When we offer hospitality without grumbling, we show that we value and appreciate the opportunity to serve and bless others. This verse reminds us to cultivate an attitude of gratitude and selflessness in our acts of hospitality.
Romans 12:13
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
Paul urges believers to demonstrate practical love by sharing with those in need and practicing hospitality. This verse emphasizes the role of hospitality in caring for and supporting fellow believers. It encourages us to open our homes and hearts to one another, creating a sense of community and unity within the body of Christ.
Practicing hospitality not only meets the physical needs of others but also fosters fellowship and spiritual growth. It allows us to build deeper connections with our brothers and sisters in Christ and demonstrates our commitment to living out God’s commands.
Luke 10:38-42
“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him. She had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord’s feet listening to what he said. But Martha was distracted by all the preparations that had to be made. She came to him and asked, ‘Lord, don’t you care that my sister has left me to do the work by myself? Tell her to help me!’ ‘Martha, Martha,’ the Lord answered, ‘you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one. Mary has chosen what is better, and it will not be taken away from her.'”
This story presents a contrast between Martha’s focus on physical preparations and Mary’s desire to sit at the feet of Jesus and listen to His teaching. While hospitality includes the practical aspects of hosting, Jesus reminds us that the primary focus should be on cultivating a relationship with Him.
This passage prompts us to balance our hospitality with the discipline of spending time in the presence of God, seeking His wisdom, and listening to His voice. It is a reminder that true hospitality flows from a heart that prioritizes Christ above all else.
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.”
Hebrews encourages believers to practice hospitality by showing kindness, especially to strangers. This verse highlights the potential for divine encounters and blessings that can arise from extending hospitality. It reminds us that when we show hospitality to others, we may unknowingly be entertaining angels by embodying the love and care of Christ.
By warmly welcoming strangers without prejudice or hesitation, we create an environment where others can experience God’s love and grace. This verse challenges us to remain open to opportunities to demonstrate kindness and generosity to those we encounter, knowing that our actions can have eternal significance.
Proverbs 11:25
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.”
This proverb highlights the reciprocal relationship between generosity and blessings. When we willingly and generously refresh others through acts of hospitality, we ourselves are refreshed and prospered. It emphasizes the spiritual principle that as we pour out love and kindness, we receive in abundance, both from God and from others.
By practicing hospitality and extending grace to others, we position ourselves to receive the abundant blessings and provisions that God desires to pour into our lives. This verse encourages us to embrace a lifestyle of generosity and demonstrates the transformative power of hospitality in our own lives.
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.”
In this passage, Publius, a chief official, displays generosity and hospitality towards Paul and his companions. By welcoming them into his home and providing for their needs, Publius demonstrates the qualities of a hospitable host. This act of kindness sets an example for believers and reminds us of the impact that hospitality can have on others.
Publius’s actions teach us that hospitality is not limited to a specific context or setting but can be shown to anyone, regardless of their social status or position. It prompts us to consider how we can extend hospitality to those around us, even when faced with challenging circumstances.
Ruth 2:14-16
“At mealtime Boaz said to her, ‘Come over 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.'”
In this story, Boaz offers hospitality to Ruth, a foreigner gleaning in his fields. Boaz not only provides food and drink but also goes above and beyond by instructing his men to leave extra grain for her and ensure her safety. Boaz’s hospitality demonstrates compassion and care for the vulnerable, as well as a recognition of Ruth’s worth and dignity.
This passage challenges us to extend hospitality not only to those within our immediate community but also to strangers and outsiders. It prompts us to consider how we can show grace and generosity to those in need, recognizing the inherent value and worth of every individual.
1 Timothy 3:2
“Now the overseer is to be above reproach, faithful to his wife, temperate, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach”
Paul outlines the qualities required for church leaders, including the virtue of hospitality. A leader is called to exhibit a spirit of welcome and openness, providing a safe and nurturing environment for others. This verse emphasizes that hospitality is not limited to individual believers but should be exemplified by those in positions of leadership within the church.
The inclusion of hospitality as a characteristic of leaders underscores its importance within the context of the Christian community. It reminds us that leaders have a responsibility to create a space where individuals feel valued, supported, and cared for, fostering an atmosphere of belonging and inclusion.
Luke 14:12-14
“Then Jesus said to his host, ‘When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.'”
Jesus challenges the conventional norms of hospitality by encouraging His followers to extend invitations and show kindness to those who cannot reciprocate. This verse highlights the transformative power of radical hospitality and the potential for blessings in both the present and the future.
By intentionally reaching out and including those who are marginalized and overlooked, we reflect the heart of God and embody His love in a tangible way. This verse prompts us to examine our motives for extending hospitality and to consider how we can engage with those on the fringes of society.
Proverbs 22:9
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”
Proverbs emphasizes the reciprocal relationship between generosity and blessings. This verse highlights the connection between sharing with the poor and experiencing personal prosperity. It illustrates how acts of hospitality towards those in need not only benefit the recipients but also result in God’s favor and provision for the generous individual.
By actively responding to the needs of others, particularly those who lack the resources to provide for themselves, we position ourselves to receive God’s abundant blessings and experience the fulfillment that comes from serving others selflessly.
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.'”
This passage recounts the hospitality shown by a wealthy woman towards the prophet Elisha. Recognizing Elisha as a holy man of God, she extended her hospitality by providing him with a place to rest and refreshment whenever he passed by her home. Her actions reflect her reverence for God and her desire to serve Him through serving His servant.
This story challenges us to be attentive to the needs of those who serve and minister to us. It prompts us to find ways to bless and support those who dedicate themselves to the work of God, demonstrating our gratitude and acknowledging the spiritual importance of their service.
Isaiah 58:7
“Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”
Isaiah teaches that true fasting and righteous living involve meeting the needs of others, particularly those who are hungry, vulnerable, and in need of shelter and clothing. This verse emphasizes that acts of hospitality and compassion towards the less fortunate are essential aspects of practicing authentic faith.
By actively responding to the plight of the poor and needy, we align ourselves with God’s heart and demonstrate His love to a broken world. This verse reminds us that genuine worship involves caring for and lifting up those who are in distress, embodying the compassion and kindness of Christ.
Titus 1:8
“Rather, he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.”
Paul lists hospitality as one of the essential qualities for church leaders. This verse highlights the significance of practicing hospitality not only as individuals but also in the context of the church community.
Leaders who are characterized by genuine love for what is good, self-control, and holiness are also marked by a spirit of hospitality. By welcoming and caring for others, they create an atmosphere of warmth, inclusion, and honor within the church, fostering an environment conducive to spiritual growth and unity.
Deuteronomy 10:19
“And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.”
In this verse, God commands His people to love foreigners and treat them with kindness. The Israelites are reminded of their own experience as strangers in Egypt and are called to extend compassion and hospitality to foreigners.
This verse challenges us to view strangers and immigrants through the lens of empathy and understanding. It calls us to cultivate a heart of love, recognizing the value and dignity of every individual, regardless of their nationality or background. By practicing hospitality towards foreigners, we reflect God’s heart for inclusivity and demonstrate His love to the world.
Luke 19:5-6
“When Jesus reached the spot, he looked up and said to him, ‘Zacchaeus, come down immediately. I must stay at your house today.’ So he came down at once and welcomed him gladly.”
This passage recounts Jesus’ encounter with Zacchaeus, a tax collector. Jesus initiates hospitality by expressing His desire to stay at Zacchaeus’ house, despite the social stigma surrounding him. Zacchaeus joyfully welcomes Jesus, demonstrating a heart open to hospitality and transformation.
This story encourages us to embrace opportunities to extend hospitality, even to those who may be despised or marginalized by society. It reminds us that God’s love knows no boundaries and that genuine hospitality has the power to bring healing, restoration, and salvation.
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 send them on their way in a manner that honors God. It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.”
In this letter, John commends Gaius for his faithfulness in showing love and hospitality to fellow believers, even though they were strangers. He encourages Gaius to continue supporting and sending them off in a way that honors God.
This passage reminds us of the significance of demonstrating hospitality towards fellow believers, particularly those who are traveling or involved in ministry. It underscores the importance of unity within the Body of Christ and the role that our hospitality plays in advancing the truth of the Gospel.
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 His messengers or His followers, we are actually welcoming Him and the Father who sent Him. This verse underscores the significance and value that Christ places on acts of hospitality, no matter how small or seemingly insignificant.
By extending even the most basic care and provision to others, we participate in God’s kingdom work and become recipients of His rewards. This verse challenges us to be attentive to the needs of those around us, recognizing that our acts of hospitality have eternal significance in the eyes of God.