The Bible calls believers to welcome strangers and others with warm, generous hospitality rooted in love, recognizing that such service is ultimately given to Christ.
Hospitality means welcoming strangers and brothers with genuine warmth, using our gifts to serve one another without complaint. From Abraham's generous welcome to Jesus's teaching on caring for the hungry and homeless, Scripture shows that hospitality reflects our character and faith—even entertaining angels unaware—and ultimately is service to Christ himself.
Hebrews 13:2
Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for in doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it.
1 Peter 4:9-10
Be hospitable to one another without grumbling. As each has received a gift, employ it in serving one another, as good managers of the grace of God in its various forms.
contributing to the needs of the saints; given to hospitality.
Titus 1:8
but given to hospitality, a lover of good, sober minded, fair, holy, self-controlled;
3 John 1:5-8
Beloved, you do a faithful work in whatever you accomplish for those who are brothers and strangers. They have testified about your love before the assembly. You will do well to send them forward on their journey in a way worthy of God, because for the sake of the Name they went out, taking nothing from the Gentiles. We therefore ought to receive such, that we may be fellow workers for the truth.
Luke 10:38-42
As they went on their way, he entered into a certain village, and a certain woman named Martha received him into her house. She had a sister called Mary, who also sat at Jesus’ feet, and heard his word. But Martha was distracted with much serving, and she came up to him, and said, “Lord, don’t you care that my sister left me to serve alone? Ask her therefore to help me.” Jesus answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is needed. Mary has chosen the good part, which will not be taken away from her.”
Genesis 18:1-8
Yahweh appeared to him by the oaks of Mamre, as he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day. He lifted up his eyes and looked, and saw that three men stood opposite him. When he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself to the earth, and said, “My lord, if now I have found favor in your sight, please don’t go away from your servant. Now let a little water be fetched, wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. I will get a morsel of bread so you can refresh your heart. After that you may go your way, now that you have come to your servant.” They said, “Very well, do as you have said.” Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah, and said, “Quickly prepare three seahs of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes.” Abraham ran to the herd, and fetched a tender and good calf, and gave it to the servant. He hurried to dress it. He took butter, milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them. He stood by them under the tree, and they ate.
Matthew 25:35-40
for I was hungry, and you gave me food to eat. I was thirsty, and you gave me drink. I was a stranger, and you took me in. I was naked, and you clothed me. I was sick, and you visited me. I was in prison, and you came to me.’ Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry, and feed you; or thirsty, and give you a drink? When did we see you as a stranger, and take you in; or naked, and clothe you? When did we see you sick, or in prison, and come to you?’ The King will answer them, ‘Most certainly I tell you, because you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’
1 Timothy 3:2
The overseer therefore must be without reproach, the husband of one wife, temperate, sensible, modest, hospitable, good at teaching;
Proverbs 15:17
Better is a dinner of herbs, where love is, than a fattened calf with hatred.
Welcome guests and those in need with genuine warmth and care, viewing your home and resources as tools for serving God's people. Let your hospitality flow from love rather than obligation, remembering that when you welcome the stranger or stranger, you minister to Christ himself.
The Bible calls believers to welcome strangers and others with warm, generous hospitality rooted in love, recognizing that such service is ultimately given to Christ.
Hospitality means welcoming strangers and brothers with genuine warmth, using our gifts to serve one another without complaint. From Abraham's generous welcome to Jesus's teaching on caring for the hungry and homeless, Scripture shows that hospitality reflects our character and faith—even entertaining angels unaware—and ultimately is service to Christ himself.
Welcome guests and those in need with genuine warmth and care, viewing your home and resources as tools for serving God's people. Let your hospitality flow from love rather than obligation, remembering that when you welcome the stranger or stranger, you minister to Christ himself.
Hospitality is a core spiritual practice that honors both guests and God, demonstrated through genuine welcome and care for strangers and brothers alike.
Hospitality must be offered without resentment or complaint, employing our gifts as stewards of God's grace in serving others.
When we welcome and care for those in need—the hungry, homeless, sick, and imprisoned—we are ultimately serving Christ himself.
True hospitality flows from genuine love and community, not from the elaborateness or cost of what is offered.
Hospitality is a mark of spiritual maturity and moral character, expected of leaders and believers who manage God's grace.
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