Bible Verses About Welcoming Visitors In Church

Welcoming visitors in church is a sign of love and fellowship. The Bible encourages believers to greet strangers with kindness and open hearts. These verses remind us that showing hospitality honors God and strengthens the church community.

Hospitality as a Christian Duty

Hospitality is a key part of Christian life, showing love and care to everyone who enters the church.

• Romans 12:13 – Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
• Hebrews 13:2 – Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
• 1 Peter 4:9 – Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
• Matthew 25:35 – 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:
• Luke 14:12 – Then said he also to him that bade him, When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; lest they also bid thee again, and a recompence be made thee.
• Acts 28:2 – And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.
• Romans 15:7 – Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
• Genesis 18:1-2 – And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day; And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground.
• Proverbs 31:20 – She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.
• Deuteronomy 10:19 – Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.

Welcoming Strangers

Inviting strangers into the church reflects God’s love and mercy to all people.

• Leviticus 19:34 – But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.
• Exodus 23:9 – Also thou shalt not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
• Matthew 10:40 – He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
• Hebrews 13:1-2 – Let brotherly love continue. Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
• Deuteronomy 24:17 – Thou shalt not pervert the judgment of the stranger, nor of the fatherless; nor take a widow’s raiment to pledge.
• Isaiah 1:17 – Learn to do well; seek judgment, relieve the oppressed, judge the fatherless, plead for the widow.
• Matthew 25:36 – Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me.
• Job 31:32 – Then let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity. (Shows justice to all, including strangers.)
• Psalm 146:9 – The LORD preserveth the strangers; he relieveth the fatherless and widow: but the way of the wicked he turneth upside down.
• Proverbs 14:21 – He that despiseth his neighbour sinneth: but he that hath mercy on the poor, happy is he.

Serving Others with Love

True hospitality is not just about welcoming, but serving visitors with genuine love.

• Galatians 5:13 – For, brethren, ye have been called unto liberty; only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
• 1 John 3:18 – My little children, let us not love in word, neither in tongue; but in deed and in truth.
• Philippians 2:4 – Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others.
• John 13:34 – A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another.
• Romans 12:10 – Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another.
• 1 Peter 3:8 – Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
• Colossians 3:12 – Put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering;
• Matthew 25:40 – And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
• Luke 6:35 – But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil.
• Acts 20:35 – I have shewed you all things, how that so labouring ye ought to support the weak, and to remember the words of the Lord Jesus, how he said, It is more blessed to give than to receive.

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Showing Kindness to All

Hospitality is an act of kindness, reflecting Christ’s love to every person who enters.

• Proverbs 3:27 – Withhold not good from them to whom it is due, when it is in the power of thine hand to do it.
• Galatians 6:10 – As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
• Matthew 5:16 – Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father which is in heaven.
• Ephesians 4:32 – And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ’s sake hath forgiven you.
• Luke 6:31 – And as ye would that men should do to you, do ye also to them likewise.
• Romans 15:2 – Let every one of us please his neighbour for his good to edification.
• Colossians 3:14 – And above all these things put on charity, which is the bond of perfectness.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
• Proverbs 11:17 – The merciful man doeth good to his own soul: but he that is cruel troubleth his own flesh.
• Acts 2:46 – And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart.

Receiving Guests as Christ Would

Welcoming visitors is a way of honoring Christ in every person who comes.

• Matthew 10:41 – He that receiveth a prophet in the name of a prophet shall receive a prophet’s reward; and he that receiveth a righteous man in the name of a righteous man shall receive a righteous man’s reward.
• Mark 9:41 – For whosoever shall give you a cup of water to drink in my name, because ye belong to Christ, verily I say unto you, he shall not lose his reward.
• John 13:35 – By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
• Romans 12:13 – Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
• 1 Peter 4:9 – Use hospitality one to another without grudging.
• Hebrews 13:2 – Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
• Luke 10:5 – And into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house.
• Acts 28:2 – And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.
• Matthew 25:35 – 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:
• Romans 15:7 – Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.

Hospitality as Service to God

Serving others through hospitality is seen as serving God directly.

• Matthew 25:40 – And the King shall answer and say unto them, Verily I say unto you, Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
• Colossians 3:23 – And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
• Hebrews 6:10 – For God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.
• Galatians 5:13 – Only use not liberty for an occasion to the flesh, but by love serve one another.
• John 12:26 – If any man serve me, let him follow me; and where I am, there shall also my servant be: if any man serve me, him will my Father honour.
• 1 Corinthians 10:31 – Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God.
• Acts 20:35 – It is more blessed to give than to receive.
• Romans 12:10 – Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another;
• 1 Peter 3:8 – Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous:
• Proverbs 19:17 – He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.

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Encouraging Fellowship

Hospitality fosters fellowship and builds a loving, unified church community.

• Acts 2:46-47 – And they, continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, did eat their meat with gladness and singleness of heart, Praising God, and having favour with all the people.
• Romans 12:5 – So we, being many, are one body in Christ, and every one members one of another.
• 1 Corinthians 12:25-26 – That there should be no schism in the body; but that the members should have the same care one for another. And whether one member suffer, all the members suffer with it; or one member be honoured, all the members rejoice with it.
• Hebrews 10:24-25 – And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
• Ephesians 4:16 – From whom the whole body fitly joined together and compacted by that which every joint supplieth, according to the effectual working in the measure of every part, maketh increase of the body unto the edifying of itself in love.
• Colossians 3:16 – Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom; teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord.
• Galatians 6:2 – Bear ye one another’s burdens, and so fulfil the law of Christ.
• 1 Thessalonians 5:11 – Wherefore comfort yourselves together, and edify one another, even as also ye do.
• Romans 15:5-6 – Now the God of patience and consolation grant you to be likeminded one toward another according to Christ Jesus: That ye may with one mind and one mouth glorify God, even the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.
• Philippians 2:2 – Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind.

Welcoming Visitors as a Blessing

Receiving guests brings blessings, both spiritual and communal, according to God’s promises.

• Hebrews 13:2 – Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
• Genesis 18:3 – And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant:
• Luke 10:5-6 – Into whatsoever house ye enter, first say, Peace be to this house. And if the house be worthy, let your peace come upon it: but if it be not worthy, let your peace return to you.
• Proverbs 11:25 – The liberal soul shall be made fat: and he that watereth shall be watered also himself.
• Matthew 25:40 – Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
• Acts 28:2 – And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one, because of the present rain, and because of the cold.
• Romans 15:7 – Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
• Psalm 41:1 – Blessed is he that considereth the poor: the LORD will deliver him in time of trouble.
• Deuteronomy 10:19 – Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.
• Proverbs 31:20 – She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

Practicing Generosity

Hospitality often involves generosity, sharing time, resources, and love with visitors.

• 2 Corinthians 9:7 – Every man according as he purposeth in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loveth a cheerful giver.
• Luke 6:38 – Give, and it shall be given unto you; good measure, pressed down, and shaken together, and running over, shall men give into your bosom.
• Acts 20:35 – It is more blessed to give than to receive.
• Proverbs 22:9 – He that hath a bountiful eye shall be blessed; for he giveth of his bread to the poor.
• Matthew 10:42 – And whosoever shall give to drink unto one of these little ones a cup of cold water only in the name of a disciple, verily I say unto you, he shall in no wise lose his reward.
• Romans 12:13 – Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
• 1 Timothy 6:18 – That they do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate;
• Proverbs 19:17 – He that hath pity upon the poor lendeth unto the LORD; and that which he hath given will he pay him again.
• Galatians 6:10 – As we have therefore opportunity, let us do good unto all men, especially unto them who are of the household of faith.
• Deuteronomy 15:11 – For the poor shall never cease out of the land: therefore I command thee, saying, Thou shalt open thine hand wide unto thy brother, to thy poor, and to thy needy, in thy land.

Reflecting Christ Through Hospitality

Every act of welcoming and serving visitors is a reflection of Christ’s love and example.

• John 13:34-35 – A new commandment I give unto you, That ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another. By this shall all men know that ye are my disciples, if ye have love one to another.
• Matthew 25:40 – Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these my brethren, ye have done it unto me.
• Romans 12:10-13 – Be kindly affectioned one to another with brotherly love; in honour preferring one another; not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord; Distributing to the necessity of saints; given to hospitality.
• 1 Peter 4:9-10 – Use hospitality one to another without grudging. As every man hath received the gift, even so minister the same one to another, as good stewards of the manifold grace of God.
• Hebrews 13:2 – Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
• Matthew 10:40 – He that receiveth you receiveth me, and he that receiveth me receiveth him that sent me.
• Luke 14:12-14 – When thou makest a dinner or a supper, call not thy friends, nor thy brethren, neither thy kinsmen, nor thy rich neighbours; but when thou makest a feast, call the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind: and thou shalt be blessed.
• Acts 28:2 – And the barbarous people shewed us no little kindness: for they kindled a fire, and received us every one.
• Romans 15:7 – Wherefore receive ye one another, as Christ also received us to the glory of God.
• Genesis 18:1-2 – And the LORD appeared unto him in the plains of Mamre: and he sat in the tent door in the heat of the day; And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the Bible say about welcoming visitors?

The Bible encourages believers to show hospitality and love to strangers, treating them as honored guests.

Why is hospitality important in church?

Hospitality reflects God’s love, strengthens community, and can bless both the visitor and the host.

Which Bible verse is most famous about welcoming strangers?

Hebrews 13:2 is widely cited: “Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”

How can churches practically welcome visitors?

Through warm greetings, friendly guidance, offering prayer, and including them in fellowship or activities.

Does welcoming visitors honor God?

Yes, showing kindness and hospitality to others is seen as serving and honoring God.

Final Thoughts

Welcoming visitors in church is more than a courtesy—it is a biblical mandate and an expression of Christ’s love. Through hospitality, kindness, and service, we reflect God’s heart and strengthen the church community.

Every friendly greeting, open hand, and generous act not only blesses the visitor but honors God. By practicing these principles, churches can become true homes of love, fellowship, and spiritual growth for all who enter.