Hospitality is a virtue that is emphasized throughout the Bible. Scripture encourages believers to be hospitable and welcome others, especially strangers and those in need. Here is an overview of some of the key things the Bible says about hospitality:
Commands to Show Hospitality
There are several direct commands in the Bible instructing God’s people to show hospitality to others:
- “Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:1-2)
- “Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” (1 Peter 4:9)
- “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” (Romans 12:13)
These verses make it clear that showing hospitality, especially to fellow believers, is an important Christian virtue.
Hospitality as an Expression of Love
Hospitality is closely tied to the commandment to love others. When we welcome others into our homes and lives, we are demonstrating Christ-like love in action:
- “Let love be genuine. Abhor what is evil; hold fast to what is good. Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” (Romans 12:9-10)
- “Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins. Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” (1 Peter 4:8-9)
Showing hospitality is an expression of genuine Christian love and honor for others.
Welcoming Strangers and Foreigners
In biblical times, hospitality was crucially important, as inns were scarce and travelers relied on the kindness of strangers for food, lodging, and protection. Scripture repeatedly instructs God’s people to welcome and care for strangers, foreigners, and travelers:
- “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.” (Leviticus 19:34)
- “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:2)
- “Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:1-2)
Welcoming strangers and foreigners is a way to live out God’s concern for the vulnerable.
Blessings for Those Who Are Hospitable
The Bible indicates that those who generously show hospitality will be blessed in return. For example:
- “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” (Hebrews 13:2 NIV)
- “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.” (Matthew 25:35 NIV)
Being hospitable is seen as lending to the Lord Himself, and He promises to repay that generosity.
Examples of Hospitality
There are also many examples of hospitality in the Bible that illustrate what it looks like in practice:
- Abraham welcomed three strangers who turned out to be angels and showed them incredible hospitality (Genesis 18:1-8).
- Rahab welcomed and protected two Israelite spies in Jericho (Joshua 2:1-24).
- The Shunammite woman showed hospitality to Elisha, building him a place to stay (2 Kings 4:8-10).
- Mary, Martha, and Lazarus welcomed Jesus into their home (Luke 10:38-42).
- Zacchaeus welcomed Jesus joyfully into his home (Luke 19:1-10).
- Lydia welcomed Paul and Silas into her household (Acts 16:14-15).
These examples show hospitality in action and demonstrate how God blesses those who generously welcome others.
Cautions About Hospitality
The Bible also includes some cautions about showing hospitality:
- Do not neglect your family while showing hospitality (1 Timothy 5:8).
- Do not become partners with those living in darkness (Ephesians 5:11).
- Do not complain or grumble when showing hospitality (1 Peter 4:9).
- Do not give to those who will not work (2 Thessalonians 3:10).
While we are called to be generous in hospitality, we are also called to be wise and discerning.
Motivations for Hospitality
Why does the Bible place such emphasis on hospitality? Here are some key motivations:
- To obey Christ’s commands (John 15:9-12)
- To imitate Christ’s love and generosity (Romans 12:13)
- To serve fellow believers (Galatians 5:13-14)
- To care for the poor and needy (Isaiah 58:7)
- To welcome outsiders (Luke 14:12-14)
- To meet urgent needs for food and lodging (1 Timothy 5:10)
- To glorify God and point people to Christ (1 Peter 4:9-11)
The ultimate motivation is love for God and others.
Hospitality as a Christian Virtue
In summary, the Bible clearly presents hospitality as a Christian virtue and an important way of expressing godly love. Key points include:
- God commands His people to show hospitality to one another.
- Hospitality is tied closely to Christian love.
- Believers are instructed to welcome strangers and foreigners.
- God blesses and rewards those who show generosity through hospitality.
- There are many examples of hospitality in Scripture.
- Hospitality should be exercised with wisdom and discernment.
- The ultimate motivation is love for God and others.
Practicing biblical hospitality brings glory to God, blesses His people, and testifies to Christ’s love. As Hebrews 13:2 reminds us, some who have welcomed strangers have entertained angels unaware! Scripture calls all believers to follow the examples of hospitality found in the Bible.