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If 1 Corinthians 13 is the Bible’s “love chapter,” Romans 12 is its twin sister. In Romans 12:9–13, the apostle Paul focuses on our relationships with others, asserting that genuine love ought to permeate all our interactions: “Don’t just pretend to love others. Really love them . . . with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other” (Romans 12:9–10, NLT). If we truly love others, we will show kindness and generosity to people in need, and we will be “given to hospitality” (Romans 12:13, NKJV).
Hospitality, in the biblical sense, goes beyond merely entertaining guests. It refers to having a welcoming, gracious, and generous disposition toward others, particularly strangers and those in need. The Greek phrase for “given to hospitality” (NKJV) in Romans 12:13 is alternately translated as “seek to show hospitality” (ESV), “be eager to practice hospitality” (NLT), and “pursue hospitality” (CSB). Paul used the Greek word philoxenian, translated as “hospitality”; it literally means “love to strangers.” This love is not just a feeling but an action—a deliberate effort to make strangers feel welcome, cared for, and valued.
Even if we don’t possess the spiritual gift of giving (see Romans 12:8), all believers have the responsibility to practice hospitality and meet the needs of others. The Bible uses vivid images and parables about hospitality to paint a picture of salvation (Isaiah 25:6; Psalm 23:5–6; Matthew 22:1–14; John 14:2–3; Revelation 3:20). As God’s redeemed children, we show hospitality in gratitude for the salvation we have received from God (see Isaiah 58:6–7; John 13:12–15).
Paul frequently mentions the importance of showing hospitality to Christian ministers (see Romans 16:1–2; Colossians 4:10; 3 John 5–10). He taught that spiritual overseers should be particularly given to hospitality (see Titus 1:8; 1 Timothy 3:2). The apostle Peter urged, “Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay” (1 Peter 4:9, NLT). In Hebrews, Christians are reminded “to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!” (Hebrews 13:2, NLT).
The concept of being given to hospitality is rooted in the Old Testament (see Exodus 22:21; Isaiah 58:6). Abraham, the great patriarch of faith, is a prime example of one who practiced hospitality. In Genesis 18:1–8, he welcomed three strangers into his home, generously offering them food, water, and rest. This act of hospitality was later revealed to be a divine encounter with God. Similarly, the Law of Moses commanded the Israelites to be hospitable: “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” (Leviticus 19:33–34, ESV).
Jesus exemplified what it means to be given to hospitality. He dined with tax collectors and sinners (see Luke 19:1–10), welcomed children (see Matthew 19:14), and healed the sick (see Matthew 14:14). His parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) is perhaps the most striking illustration of hospitality. In this story, a Samaritan helps a wounded man, providing him with care and shelter despite the societal enmity between Jews and Samaritans. The early Christian church continued in this tradition of hospitality, sharing everything they had and partaking of the Lord’s Supper and eating meals together in their homes with joyful and sincere hearts (see Acts 2:44–46).
Being given to hospitality means more than offering a pat on the back or hosting an occasional dinner party. It involves a lifestyle of generosity and openness. Here are some practical ways to embody this virtue:
• Opening your home to new neighbors, visitors, or those who need a place to stay.
• Meeting needs such as providing a meal, offering transportation, or simply listening to someone’s troubles.
• Fostering a sense of belonging and community through small group gatherings, community events, or regular, intentional acts of kindness.
• Treat everyone with dignity and love, regardless of background or circumstances.
Romans 12 begins with a call to offer our bodies as “a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God” (Romans 12:1). Hospitality is a tangible expression of this sacrifice. It is an act of “true and proper worship” (Romans 12:1), a way to honor God by serving others.• Meeting needs such as providing a meal, offering transportation, or simply listening to someone’s troubles.
• Fostering a sense of belonging and community through small group gatherings, community events, or regular, intentional acts of kindness.
• Treat everyone with dignity and love, regardless of background or circumstances.
Being given to hospitality reflects the heart of God, who welcomes all to His table. In Matthew 25:35–36, Jesus describes the righteousness of those who will inherit the kingdom by pointing to their hospitality: “For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. I was naked, and you gave me clothing. I was sick, and you cared for me” (Matthew 25:35–36, NLT). By practicing hospitality, we honor Christ Himself. We love others as Jesus loved us and live out the gospel in practical ways.
