What does the Bible say about hospitality?

WHAT DOES THE BIBLE SAY?

Hospitality is one of the foundational characteristics of the Christian lifestyle. God not only wants Christians to be set apart from other people by the way they live, but He also wants their lifestyle to reflect His relationship with humanity. Hospitality is, therefore, a symbol of God's love and grace towards sinners whom He desires to bring back into relationship with Himself.

FROM THE OLD TESTAMENT

• A great example of hospitality occurred when Abraham was visited by three strangers. Abraham asked the visitors to stay and refresh themselves, provided them with ample food to eat, and stood ready to serve them. The three men were likely God appearing in temporary human form and two angels (Genesis 18).
• Evidence of hospitality is found throughout the Old Testament and was a key component of the Israelite's society. Under the Law, God instructed the Israelites to treat visitors well (Leviticus 19:33–34).

FROM THE NEW TESTAMENT

• Hospitality is not simply a good deed Christians ought to do but rather an act of obedience to God's commandment to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Matthew 22:39).
• In the Greek language, hospitality more literally means "love of strangers." Showing love to strangers simultaneously fulfills the physical needs of a person while pointing him to God's incredible plan to meet his spiritual needs as well (1 John 3:16–18; Ephesians 4:15).
• The Jewish practice of hospitality was demonstrated by many people who welcomed Jesus and His disciples into their homes and provided for them as they traveled (e.g., Luke 10:38–42; Matthew 10:40–42).
• Many New Testament verses also encourage Christians to be hospitable (e.g., Romans 12:13; Hebrews 13:2; 1 Peter 4:9).
• In the book of Titus one of the qualifications of elders is to be hospitable (Titus 1:8).
• Through hospitality, people further the ministry of God, entertain angels, set an example for nonbelievers of God's love, and even demonstrate love to God (Matthew 25:34–36).

IMPLICATIONS FOR TODAY

Hospitality is more than welcoming others into our homes; it’s an invitation to share God’s love through generosity, kindness, and presence. In a world often focused on individualism, practicing hospitality allows us to step out of our comfort zones and create spaces where others feel valued and accepted. It allows us to invite others into God’s love in practical ways. Whether opening our homes, sharing meals, or offering a listening ear, hospitality reflects God’s welcoming nature and reminds us that we are all invited to be part of His family. The call to hospitality is an invitation to put aside distractions and see the needs of those around us, using what we have to bless others.

UNDERSTAND

• Hospitality invites others to experience God’s love as we welcome others into our homes and lives.
• God calls us to love our neighbors as ourselves.
• Believers are called to be hospitable, opening our hearts, lives, and homes to others.

REFLECT

• How can you practice hospitality in your daily life, even if you don’t have a large home or a surplus of resources?
• What barriers do you face that make it difficult for you to welcome others into your life? How can you address those challenges?
• How can you demonstrate God’s love to others through acts of hospitality, beyond just offering food or shelter?

ENGAGE

• How does hospitality in the Bible challenge our modern understanding of individualism?
• How does hospitality reflect God’s grace and love for humanity? How can our hospitality be a reflection of God’s character to the world?
• How can we practice hospitality while also taking care of our own and our family’s needs?