Hospitable Hearts"
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There are over 7.7 Billion people on the planet. How many of them do you know personally? Probably not very many! Have you ever stopped to consider how much the Bible has to say about how we interact with folks we don’t (yet) know?
“ Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Heb. 13:2).
There’s a special place in our hearts for showing hospitality towards those we don’t know. And it’s nothing new since God has always wanted his people to love strangers as themselves (Lev. 19:33-34). So, what motivates us to reach beyond our friends and family when showing hospitality?
Separate But Not Secluded
“ For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same?” (Matt. 5:46-47).
You have been called out of the world (2 Cor. 6:14-17), but be careful not to take that too far! How can a doctor heal the sick unless they’re in the room with them? Jesus doesn’t want us to be isolated from the world — secluded and distant. Instead, he wants us to be in the world, but not of the world (John 17:15).
We Seek the Seekers
“So Philip ran to him and heard him reading Isaiah the prophet and asked, “Do you understand what you are reading?” And he said, “How can I, unless someone guides me?” And he invited Philip to come up and sit with him.” (Acts 8:30–31).
These two men had never met before this moment. But the Ethiopian was seeking answers, and Philip was willing to guide him. If faith comes as a result of hearing the words of Christ, “... how are they to hear without someone preaching?” (Rom. 10:14). We’re seeking the seekers, strangers though they may be — whose hearts are open and ready to receive the truth.
Serving Strangers Serves the Savior
“’... And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? ...’ And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’” (Matt. 25:35-40).
One of the most important reasons for welcoming strangers is that Jesus takes those acts of kindness personally. Think about how much warmth and love you feel towards a stranger when they treat your children well. Jesus sees our love for others, and those acts of service draw us even closer to him.
And remember, there was a time when you were once a stranger to God, separated from Christ without hope (Eph. 2:12). If he transformed you from a stranger into a friend, then he can do the same for everyone you don’t yet know as well.
