14 Biblical Hospitality Verses About Welcoming Others
Biblical hospitality is a concept that emphasizes welcoming others into our homes, particularly strangers. However, this kind of hospitality extends far beyond the limits of space; we can offer biblical hospitality anywhere when we create spaces where others feel loved and accepted. Today, we’ll explore 14 biblical hospitality verses as we aim to apply this practice to our lives.
Be sure to read to the end of today’s post for a free devotional eBook to help you extend God’s love more graciously to others.
14 Biblical Hospitality Verses
Let’s see what God’s Word reveals as we look at this list of biblical hospitality verses.
Biblical Hospitality Verses to Inspire
1. Matthew 6:1-3 ESV
Beware of practicing your righteousness before other people in order to be seen by them, for then you will have no reward from your Father who is in heaven. Thus, when you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do in the synagogues and in the streets, that they may be praised by others. Truly, I say to you, they have received their reward. But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing.
At the heart of biblical hospitality, we are called to generous, extending God’s love to others.
These verses remind us that we don’t extend hospitality for the applause of others.
We are to serve others out of sincere love, putting their needs above ours.
2. Hebrews 13:1
Let brotherly love continue.
Hospitality is ultimately about love.
We are called to love one another as God has loved us. God demonstrated the ultimate act of hospitality by coming to live among us. We are to follow his example and pursue others with love.
The gift of hospitality creates spaces where others feel loved and welcomed. This can happen in our homes, but it can happen anywhere.
We offer hospitality when we learn to listen and care for the hearts of those who cross our paths in our communities, workplaces, and beyond.
3. Hebrews 13:2
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
This remarkable verse tells us that when we extend hospitality by opening our homes and hearts to strangers, we might be entertaining angels without knowing it.
One key to this verse is that it is dependent upon opening our homes to strangers. Hospitality is more than opening our homes to friends. We are to invite strangers into our hearts and homes as we aim to share the love of God with them.
4. Romans 12:13
Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.
We have friends who regularly host international workers who are visiting on home assignment.
These servants of God travel to different communities to tell about their work. We are to extend hospitality to them, welcoming them at our tables and into our guest rooms.
5. Leviticus 19:34
You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.
God reminded his people that they were once strangers in Egypt.
When they left Egypt, he commanded them to care for strangers in need. This is a command for us today as well. We love others as we love ourselves by inviting them into our homes and lives.
6. 1 Peter 4:9
Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.
The attitude with which we extend hospitality is just as important as opening our homes.
We are to invite others into our homes without complaining and grumbling about the inconvenience.
7. Matthew 25:37-40
“Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”
Jesus teaches that any time we care for others who are sick, homeless, in prison, or hurting, we are caring directly for him.
This radically shifts our perspective on hospitality.
8. Titus 1:8
But hospitable, a lover of good, self-controlled, upright, holy, and disciplined.
In his letter to Titus, Paul encouraged the young pastor to be hospitable. A hospitable heart is a godly trait to be pursued.
9. Luke 14:12-14
He said also to the man who had invited him, “When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.”
These verses challenge us to invite all people into our hearts and homes, especially those who cannot repay us.
10. 1 Timothy 3:2
Therefore an overseer must be above reproach, the husband of one wife, sober-minded, self-controlled, respectable, hospitable, able to teach.
In his first letter to Timothy, Paul wrote that overseers in the church were to have certain characteristics. Again, a hospitable spirit made the list, showing that this is an important trait for leaders.
11. 1 Timothy 5:10
And having a reputation for good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality, has washed the feet of the saints, has cared for the afflicted, and has devoted herself to every good work.
Here, women were commended for the work of raising children, showing hospitality, caring for the afflicted, and serving others.
These are commendable traits for all followers of Christ.
12. Mark 9:49
For truly, I say to you, whoever gives you a cup of water to drink because you belong to Christ will by no means lose his reward.
Jesus reminds us that when we serve others, we will be rewarded.
13. Isaiah 58:7
Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?
Following Jesus is more than going to church and reading our Bibles.
We are called to serve others, inviting the poor into our homes, caring for those who are lacking, and putting the needs of others above our needs.
14. 3 John 1:5-8
Beloved, it is a faithful thing you do in all your efforts for these brothers, strangers as they are, who testified to your love before the church. You will do well to send them on their journey in a manner worthy of God. For they have gone out for the sake of the name, accepting nothing from the Gentiles. Therefore we ought to support people like these, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
John’s third letter was written to a man who had excelled at welcoming traveling missionaries into his home.
John commended this man and encouraged others to follow his example.
Read here for 14 biblical hospitality verses and practical ways to open your home and your heart to others. #biblicalhospitality Share on X
Applications of These Biblical Hospitality Verses
Let’s now apply these biblical hospitality verses to our lives. Here are five attitudes that cultivate biblical hospitality.
1. Embrace Imperfection
Aim to create a space where people are free to be the truest form of themselves.
Set the example by being the truest form of yourself and displaying the truest form of your actual home. Your goal is not to impress people; it is to welcome them and love them.
2. Listen Well
Bless others by creating space for them to share their stories and their struggles.
Learn to listen well, and you will cultivate biblical hospitality.
3. Focus on Conversation and Not Tasks
Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or leading a book club, focus on looking into the eyes of your guests and loving them by listening to them.
Focus on asking probing questions and listening actively. Let the dishes stack on the counter, and let the crumbs pile high on the floor. Embrace every moment of conversation, and save the tidying tasks for later. (Click here for 5 Conversation Prompts)
4. Aim for Comfort and Not a 5-star Presentation
Regardless of the event you are hosting, people want to feel comfortable. They want a place where they feel like they can show up and belong. Offer a comfortable environment and comfort food instead of worrying about a perfect table setting and matching seat covers.
5. Let Your Gifts Shine
If aesthetics are your gift, go ahead and decorate until your heart is content.
Perhaps you love to bake. Go all out.
If landscaping is your passion, create a beautiful space in your backyard.
However, don’t try to force what doesn’t come naturally. If you are too stressed out to enjoy your guests, it will be obvious. Aim for kindness over perfection.
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