The Best 50+ Bible Verses About Welcoming Visitors In Church
Ever wondered how to make newcomers feel truly at home in your church? You're not alone. Many congregations strive to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for visitors.
From heartfelt greetings to meaningful conversations, the Bible offers a wealth of wisdom on hospitality. Let's explore some inspiring verses that can guide you in making every visitor feel like they belong.
50 Bible Verses About Welcoming Visitors In Church
10 Bible Verses on Hospitality and Welcoming Visitors
- "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels." — Hebrews 13:2
- "Be hospitable to one another without grumbling." — 1 Peter 4:9
- "Distributing to the needs of the saints, given to hospitality." — Romans 12:13
- "For I was hungry and you gave Me food; I was thirsty and you gave Me drink; I was a stranger and you took Me in." — Matthew 25:35
- "Then He also said to him who invited Him, 'When you give a dinner or a supper, do not ask your friends, your brothers, your relatives, nor rich neighbors, lest they also invite you back, and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the maimed, the lame, the blind. And you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you; for you shall be repaid at the resurrection of the just.'" — Luke 14:12-14
- "Beloved, you do faithfully whatever you do for the brethren and for strangers, who have borne witness of your love before the church. If you send them forward on their journey in a manner worthy of God, you will do well, because they went forth for His name's sake, taking nothing from the Gentiles. We therefore ought to receive such, that we may become fellow workers for the truth." — 3 John 1:5-8
- "Then the Lord appeared to him by the terebinth trees of Mamre, as he was sitting in the tent door in the heat of the day. So he lifted his eyes and looked, and behold, three men were standing by him; and when he saw them, he ran from the tent door to meet them, and bowed himself to the ground, and said, 'My Lord, if I have now found favor in Your sight, do not pass on by Your servant. Please let a little water be brought, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree. And I will bring a morsel of bread, that you may refresh your hearts. After that you may pass by, inasmuch as you have come to your servant.' They said, 'Do as you have said.' So Abraham hurried into the tent to Sarah and said, 'Quickly, make ready three measures of fine meal; knead it and make cakes.' And Abraham ran to the herd, took a tender and good calf, gave it to a young man, and he hastened to prepare it. So he took butter and milk and the calf which he had prepared, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree as they ate." — Genesis 18:1-8
- "The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born 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
- "And the natives showed us unusual kindness; for they kindled a fire and made us all welcome, because of the rain that was falling and because of the cold." — Acts 28:2
- "A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one wife, temperate, sober-minded, of good behavior, hospitable, able to teach." — 1 Timothy 3:2
10 Bible Verses on Love and Welcoming Guests
- "Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and everyone who loves is born of God and knows God." — 1 John 4:7
- "Owe no one anything except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law." — Romans 13:8
- "Though I speak with the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I have become sounding brass or a clanging cymbal. And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing." — 1 Corinthians 13:1-2
- "A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another. By this all will know that you are My disciples, if you have love for one another." — John 13:34-35
- "But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection." — Colossians 3:14
- "Since you have purified your souls in obeying the truth through the Spirit in sincere love of the brethren, love one another fervently with a pure heart." — 1 Peter 1:22
- "For you, brethren, have been called to liberty; only do not use liberty as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another." — Galatians 5:13
- "With all lowliness and gentleness, with longsuffering, bearing with one another in love." — Ephesians 4:2
- "And may the Lord make you increase and abound in love to one another and to all, just as we do to you." — 1 Thessalonians 3:12
- "My little children, let us not love in word or in tongue, but in deed and in truth." — 1 John 3:18
10 Bible Verses on Kindness to Church Visitors
- "And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you." — Ephesians 4:32
- "He who has pity on the poor lends to the Lord, and He will pay back what he has given." — Proverbs 19:17
- "But love your enemies, do good, and lend, hoping for nothing in return; and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High. For He is kind to the unthankful and evil." — Luke 6:35
- "Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering." — Colossians 3:12
- "Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all, especially to those who are of the household of faith." — Galatians 6:10
- "Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven." — Matthew 5:16
- "The generous soul will be made rich, and he who waters will also be watered himself." — Proverbs 11:25
- "To speak evil of no one, to be peaceable, gentle, showing all humility to all men." — Titus 3:2
- "And a servant of the Lord must not quarrel but be gentle to all, able to teach, patient." — 2 Timothy 2:24
- "Thus says the Lord of hosts: 'Execute true justice, show mercy and compassion everyone to his brother.'" — Zechariah 7:9
10 Bible Verses on Embracing Newcomers in Church
- "Therefore receive one another, just as Christ also received us, to the glory of God." — Romans 15:7
- "And they continued steadfastly in the apostles' doctrine and fellowship, in the breaking of bread, and in prayers. Then fear came upon every soul, and many wonders and signs were done through the apostles. Now all who believed were together, and had all things in common, and sold their possessions and goods, and divided them among all, as anyone had need. So continuing daily with one accord in the temple, and breaking bread from house to house, they ate their food with gladness and simplicity of heart, praising God and having favor with all the people. And the Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved." — Acts 2:42-47
- "Now, therefore, you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God." — Ephesians 2:19
- "For as the body is one and has many members, but all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ. For by one Spirit we were all baptized into one body—whether Jews or Greeks, whether slaves or free—and have all been made to drink into one Spirit. For in fact the body is not one member but many." — 1 Corinthians 12:12-14
- "There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus." — Galatians 3:28
- "My brethren, do not hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory, with partiality. For if there should come into your assembly a man with gold rings, in fine apparel, and there should also come in a poor man in filthy clothes, and you pay attention to the one wearing the fine clothes and say to him, 'You sit here in a good place,' and say to the poor man, 'You stand there,' or, 'Sit here at my footstool,' have you not shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts?" — James 2:1-4
- "Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind." — Philippians 2:1-2
- "Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all and in all." — Colossians 3:11
- "But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy." — 1 Peter 2:9-10
- "That they all may be one, as You, Father, are in Me, and I in You; that they also may be one in Us, that the world may believe that You sent Me." — John 17:21
10 Bible Verses on Generosity Towards Church Guests
- "So let each one give as he purposes in his heart, not grudgingly or of necessity; for God loves a cheerful giver." — 2 Corinthians 9:7
- "He who has a generous eye will be blessed, for he gives of his bread to the poor." — Proverbs 22:9
- "Give, and it will be given to you: good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over will be put into your bosom. For with the same measure that you use, it will be measured back to you." — Luke 6:38
- "I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak. And remember the words of the Lord Jesus, that He said, 'It is more blessed to give than to receive.'" — Acts 20:35
- "Let them do good, that they be rich in good works, ready to give, willing to share." — 1 Timothy 6:18
- "For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." — Matthew 6:21
- "Do not withhold good from those to whom it is due, when it is in the power of your hand to do so." — Proverbs 3:27
- "You shall surely give to him, and your heart should not be grieved when you give to him, because for this thing the Lord your God will bless you in all your works and in all to which you put your hand." — Deuteronomy 15:10
- "But do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices God is well pleased." — Hebrews 13:16
- "For if there is first a willing mind, it is accepted according to what one has, and not according to what he does not have." — 2 Corinthians 8:12
What Does the Bible Say About Welcoming Visitors In Church
The Bible offers profound guidance on the importance of welcoming visitors in church, emphasizing themes of hospitality, love, kindness, and generosity. These teachings encourage us to open our hearts and homes to strangers, reflecting God's love and grace in our actions. Hebrews 13:2 reminds us that by entertaining strangers, we may unknowingly entertain angels, highlighting the divine significance of hospitality.
Love is a central theme in the Bible's teachings on welcoming guests. Verses like 1 John 4:7 and John 13:34-35 call us to love one another as God loves us. This love is not just a feeling but an action, demonstrated through our willingness to embrace newcomers and make them feel valued and accepted. By doing so, we fulfill the law of Christ and show that we are His disciples.
Kindness and compassion are also crucial in making visitors feel at home. Ephesians 4:32 urges us to be kind and tenderhearted, forgiving one another as God forgave us. This kindness extends to all, regardless of their background or status, as seen in Galatians 3:28, which emphasizes unity in Christ.
Generosity towards church guests is another vital aspect. 2 Corinthians 9:7 encourages us to give cheerfully, reflecting God's generosity towards us. By sharing our resources and time, we not only meet the needs of others but also glorify God through our actions. Let us strive to embody these teachings, creating a welcoming and loving environment for all who enter our churches.
How to Apply Welcoming Visitors In Church Bible Verses in Daily Life
Applying the teachings of welcoming visitors in church to daily life can start with simple, intentional actions. Begin by greeting new faces warmly, whether at church, work, or in your neighborhood. A friendly smile and a genuine "hello" can make a significant difference.
Consider these actionable steps:
- Invite someone for a meal: Sharing food is a powerful way to build connections and show hospitality.
- Offer help: If you see someone in need, offer your assistance, whether it's carrying groceries or providing directions.
- Be inclusive: Make an effort to include newcomers in conversations and activities, ensuring they feel part of the community.
- Listen actively: Show genuine interest in others' stories and experiences, making them feel heard and valued.
Incorporate these practices into your routine to reflect the love and kindness taught in the Bible. By doing so, you not only enrich your own life but also create a welcoming environment for others.
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