One of the hallmarks of our time with God is the fellowship we enjoy with other humans. God’s saving grace that floods our lives overflows into the lives of the people with whom we interact. They experience Jesus’ welcoming, all-embracing love in us as a genuine interest in their well-being, sensitivity to their needs, and a thoroughgoing commitment to their success in life. In us they receive their own invitation to God’s family. By our acts of welcoming and hospitality we expand the kingdom of heaven.—Editors

“[Abraham] said, ‘If I have found favor in your eyes, my lord, do not pass your servant by. Let a little water be brought, and then you may all wash your feet and rest under this tree. Let me get you something to eat, so you can be refreshed and then go on your way—now that you have come to your servant.’

“‘Very well,’ they answered, ‘do as you say.’”

Genesis 18:3-5

“Joshua spared Rahab the prostitute, with her family and all who belonged to her, because she hid the men Joshua had sent as spies to Jericho—and she lives among the Israelites to this day.”

Joshua 6:25

“Come, all you who are thirsty,
come to the waters;
and you who have no money,
come, buy and eat!
Come, buy wine and milk
without money and without cost.
Why spend money on what is not bread,
and your labor on what does not satisfy?
Listen, listen to me, and eat what is good,
and you will delight in the richest of fare.”

Isaiah 55:1, 2

“Seek the Lord while he may be found;
call on him while he is near.
Let the wicked forsake their ways
and the unrighteous their thoughts.
Let them turn to the Lord, and he will have mercy on them, and to our God, for he will freely pardon.”

Isaiah 55:6, 7

“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”

Jesus (Matthew 11:28-30)

“As Jesus and his disciples were on their way, he came to a village where a woman named Martha opened her home to him.”

Luke 10:38

“This man [Jesus] welcomes sinners and eats with them.”

Luke 15:2

“When a Samaritan woman came to draw water, Jesus said to her, ‘Will you give me a drink?’”

John 4:7

“All the believers were together and had everything in common. They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved.”

Luke (Acts 2:44-47)

“Now about the collection for the Lord’s people:
. . . When I arrive, I will give letters of introduction to the men you approve and send them with your gift to Jerusalem.”

APOSTLE PAUL (1 Corinthians 16:1-3)

“Whoever welcomes one of these little children in my name welcomes me; and whoever welcomes me does not welcome me but the one who sent me.”

—Jesus (Mark 9:37).

“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”

Apostle Paul (Romans 12:13)

“I commend to you our sister Phoebe, a deacon of the church in Cenchreae. I ask you to receive her in the Lord in a way worthy of his people and to give her any help she may need from you, for she has been the benefactor of many people, including me.

Apostle Paul (Romans 16:1, 2)

“Remember this: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.”

Apostle Paul (2 Corinthians 9:6, 7)

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”

Apostle Paul (Hebrews 13:2)

“Prepare a guest room for me, because I hope to be restored to you in answer to your prayers.”

Apostle Paul (Philemon 22)

“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. Please send them on their way in a manner that honors 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.”

Apostle John (3 John 5-8)

“The Spirit and the bride say, ‘Come!’ And let the one who hears say, ‘Come!’ Let the one who is thirsty come; and let the one who wishes take the free gift of the water of life.”

Jesus (Revelation 22:17)