What Does the Bible Say About Hospitality?
The open door — welcoming strangers and sharing what we have.
The Bible commends hospitality as love with a doorway: welcome strangers, for some have entertained angels unawares (Hebrews 13:2), use hospitality without grudging (1 Peter 4:9), and remember that welcoming the stranger is welcoming Christ (Matthew 25:35).
Welcome the stranger
Hospitality in Scripture reaches beyond friends to strangers and those who cannot repay. Abraham welcomed three travellers and hosted the Lord; the Bible hints that our open doors may host more than we realise.
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
Serving Christ at the table
Jesus said welcoming the stranger is welcoming him. Hospitality is a quiet, powerful ministry — the shared meal, the open home — offered gladly and without grumbling.
For I was an hungred, and ye gave me meat: I was thirsty, and ye gave me drink: I was a stranger, and ye took me in:
I was a stranger, and ye took me in.
Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
Quick answers
- Why is hospitality important in the Bible?
- It reflects God's welcome of us, cares for the vulnerable, and builds community. Scripture lists it as a mark of Christian character and even a qualification for church leaders.
- Does hospitality require a big house or budget?
- No. Biblical hospitality is about an open heart, not an impressive home. A simple shared meal or a genuine welcome matters more than grandeur.
- How can I practise hospitality?
- Share a meal, welcome the newcomer, open your home without waiting for it to be perfect, and look for the lonely or overlooked. Do it gladly, as unto the Lord.
