When you welcome a stranger, you open your community to those who are different. And this is the greatest benefit that can happen in our lives: to meet someone who has been sent from God to help us see we are all human beings.
As followers of Christ, it is of utmost importance to comprehend and put into practice the virtue of greeting strangers with compassion and hospitality. We are provided with a multitude of texts in the Bible that underscore the significance of welcoming and demonstrating kindness to others who are new to us. In this piece, we will examine a number of important Bible scriptures that are related to the concept of welcoming strangers, and we will also learn from the examples that biblical personalities have established.
Within the New Testament, which Christians read in continuity with the Hebrew Bible, sometimes known as “The Old Testament,” the text that is most frequently mentioned in relation to welcoming the stranger is found in Matthew 25:31-40. . “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
Scripture About Strangers
In the Bible A “stranger,” in the technical sense of the term, may be defined to be a person of foreign, i.e. non-Israelitish, extraction resident within the limits of the promised land. Jesus never suggested that his followers should fear “strangers,” hate them, or reject them, even if those strangers practiced a different religion, and even if they were perceived as enemies. Instead, he pointedly told his followers to welcome them, love them, and care for them.
Isaiah 61:5 In-Context
5 Strangers will stand and feed your flocks, foreigners plow your land and tend your vines; 6 but you will be called cohanim of ADONAI, spoken of as ministers to our God.
In the Bible, there are several verses that talk about how we should interact with strangers. These verses emphasize showing love, hospitality, and kindness to those who are not familiar to us.
Let’s take a look at some of these verses:
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- Leviticus 19:34 – “The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.”
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- Hebrews 13:2 – “Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”
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- Matthew 25:35 – “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.”
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- Proverbs 22:1 – “Do not exploit the poor because they are poor and do not crush the needy in court, for the LORD will take up their case and will exact life for life.”
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- 1 Peter 4:9 – “Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”
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- Deuteronomy 10:19 – “And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.”
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- Romans 12:13 – “Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
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- Isaiah 58:7 – “Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter— when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?”
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- James 1:27 – “Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.”
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- 1 John 3:17 – “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?”
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- Job 31:32 – “But no stranger had to spend the night in the street, for my door was always open to the traveler.”
Bible Verses about Welcoming Strangers
Welcome to our article on Bible verses about welcoming strangers. In this post, we will explore various passages from the Bible that emphasize the importance of showing hospitality and kindness to those who are new or unfamiliar to us.
Throughout the Scriptures, we find numerous examples of how God calls us to welcome strangers and treat them with love and respect. So, let’s dive into these verses and discover the wisdom they hold.
. Here are 12 Bible verses that emphasize the significance of welcoming strangers:
1. Leviticus 19:34
“The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”
2. Matthew 25:35
“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.”
3. Romans 12:13
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
4. Hebrews 13:2
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”
5. 1 Peter 4:9
“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”
6. 3 John 1:5
“Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you.”
7. Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
8. Luke 14:12-14
“Then Jesus said to his host, ‘When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.’”
9. Matthew 25:43
“I was a stranger and you did not invite me in, I needed clothes and you did not clothe me, I was sick and in prison and you did not look after me.”
10. 1 Timothy 5:10
“And is well known for her good deeds, such as bringing up children, showing hospitality, washing the feet of the Lord’s people, helping those in trouble and devoting herself to all kinds of good deeds.”
By following these verses and practicing hospitality towards strangers, we can embody the love and compassion that Christ has shown us. Let us open our hearts and doors to those in need, regardless of their background or circumstances.
Bible Verses About welcoming Visitors
As Christians, hospitality is a key aspect of our faith. It is important to welcome and show kindness to visitors, as the Bible instructs us to do.
“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 In this verse from the book of Hebrews, we are reminded of the significance of showing kindness and hospitality to strangers. The author encourages believers to not neglect the act of welcoming visitors, as they may unknowingly encounter angels in their midst.
This verse serves as a powerful reminder that we should extend a warm welcome to all, regardless of their background or circumstances. “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” – Romans 12:13 The Apostle Paul, in his letter to the Romans, emphasizes the importance of practicing hospitality by contributing to the needs of fellow believers. By reaching out and showing generosity towards others, we create an atmosphere where everyone feels valued and welcomed. This verse reminds us that one way of demonstrating our love for God is by extending kindness and hospitality to those who cross our paths.
Here are 12 Bible verses that emphasize the importance of welcoming visitors:
1. Romans 12:13
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
2. Matthew 25:35
“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.”
3. Hebrews 13:2
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”
4. 1 Peter 4:9
“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”
5. Leviticus 19:33-34
“When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”
6. 3 John 1:5-8
“Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers and sisters, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such people so that we may work together for the truth.”
7. Luke 14:12-14
“Then Jesus said to his host, ‘When you give a luncheon or dinner, do not invite your friends, your brothers or sisters, your relatives, or your rich neighbors; if you do, they may invite you back and so you will be repaid. But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.'”
8. Acts 16:14-15
“One of those listening was a woman from the city of Thyatira named Lydia, a dealer in purple cloth. She was a worshiper of God. The Lord opened her heart to respond to Paul’s message. When she and the members of her household were baptized, she invited us to her home. ‘If you consider me a believer in the Lord,’ she said, ‘come and stay at my house.’ And she persuaded us.”
9. Matthew 10:40-42
“Anyone who welcomes you welcomes me, and anyone who welcomes me welcomes the one who sent me. Whoever welcomes a prophet as a prophet will receive a prophet’s reward, and whoever welcomes a righteous person as a righteous person will receive a righteous person’s reward. And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.”
10. Galatians 6:10
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
Bible Verse About Strangers Being Angels
In Christianity, the concept of strangers being angels is a common theme found throughout the Bible. It suggests that when we encounter strangers, we may unknowingly be encountering angels sent by God to guide, protect, or provide for us.
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” – Hebrews 13:2 This verse from the book of Hebrews reiterates the previous passage, highlighting the possibility that strangers could be angels in disguise.
By showing hospitality to those we encounter, we may unknowingly create space for divine encounters. This verse reminds us that we should not discriminate against strangers but instead welcome them with open arms, as they may carry blessings and messages from God.
Here are 10 Bible verses that speak to this idea:
1. Hebrews 13:2
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”
2. Matthew 25:35
“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.”
3. Genesis 18:1-3
“The Lord appeared to Abraham near the great trees of Mamre while he was sitting at the entrance to his tent in the heat of the day. Abraham looked up and saw three men standing nearby. When he saw them, he hurried from the entrance of his tent to meet them and bowed low to the ground.”
4. Acts 17:26-27
“From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands. God did this so that they would seek him and perhaps reach out for him and find him, though he is not far from any one of us.”
5. Luke 10:30-37
“In reply Jesus said: “A man was going down from Jerusalem to Jericho, when he was attacked by robbers. They stripped him of his clothes, beat him and went away, leaving him half dead. A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side. So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side. But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.”
6. Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'”
7. John 13:20
“Very truly I tell you, whoever accepts anyone I send accepts me; and whoever accepts me accepts the one who sent me.”
8. Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
9. 1 Peter 4:9
“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.”
10. Leviticus 19:34
“The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”
The idea that strangers could be angels in disguise serves as a reminder to Christians to show kindness, hospitality, and compassion to all those they encounter, for they may be entertaining angels without even realizing it.
What Does the New Testament Say About Immigration?
Immigration is a topic that has been widely debated in recent years, with many people turning to their religious beliefs to guide their opinions on the matter. For Christians, the New Testament offers guidance and insights on how to approach the issue of immigration with compassion and empathy.
“When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. 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 19:33-34 Although this verse is found in the Old Testament, it sets a foundational principle for welcoming immigrants and treating them with kindness and dignity.
The New Testament builds upon this idea, emphasizing the importance of love and compassion towards strangers. Jesus Himself teaches us to love our neighbors as ourselves, and this includes those who are foreign to our land. We are called to extend a helping hand to immigrants, knowing that we too were once strangers in a foreign land. “Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” – Romans 15:7 In this verse, the Apostle Paul instructs believers to welcome one another just as Christ has welcomed them. This command extends beyond cultural and societal boundaries, emphasizing the importance of embracing those who are different from us.
Regardless of someone’s immigration status, race, or background, we are called to welcome them with open arms and a heart full of love. By exploring these Bible verses about welcoming strangers, we gain a deeper understanding of God’s heart for hospitality and inclusivity. These verses remind us that every person we encounter has the potential to be an instrument of God’s grace and love. As followers of Christ, may we strive to be welcoming and compassionate, just as Christ has welcomed us.
Here are 12 Bible verses that shed light on the topic:
1. Matthew 25:35
“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.”
2. Hebrews 13:2
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”
3. Leviticus 19:34
“The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”
4. Romans 12:13
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
5. Galatians 5:14
“For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.'”
6. 1 Peter 2:17
“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.”
7. Matthew 5:43-44
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
8. Ephesians 2:19
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.”
9. Colossians 3:11
“Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.”
10. Revelation 7:9
“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.”
These Bible verses emphasize the importance of showing compassion, hospitality, and love to immigrants and strangers. They remind Christians that all people are equal in the eyes of God, and that we should treat others with kindness and respect, regardless of their background or nationality.