(Be Kind To “Strangers”)
TO THE BIBLE: Hebrews 13:1-2 AMPC
“Let love for your fellow believers continue and be a fixed practice with you [never let it fail]. Do not forget or neglect or refuse to extend hospitality to strangers [in the brotherhood–being friendly, cordial, and gracious, sharing the comforts of your home and doing your part generously], for through it some have entertained angels without knowing it.”
LET’S TALK
Being hospitable and kindhearted is an indication of the God-nature in you. Jesus said, “Treat others as you want them to treat you” (Luke 6:31 TLB).
Kindness isn’t so much what we do for ourselves, but what we do for others. Have a determination to show someone kindness, which only God can repay.
The Christian life is a life of love freely given to us by God. That love makes you think of others and accept them just as they are, even when it seems they don’t deserve it. We’re even admonished to be loving and kindhearted to strangers.
Some people don’t treat strangers right. Once they don’t know you, they don’t care about you and wouldn’t want to help. But the scripture says we shouldn’t be forgetful to entertain strangers, for by so doing, some have entertained angels unawares.
Several times in scriptures, angels appeared as normal human beings, dressed in regular outfits like everyday people. For example, the Bible says three men appeared to Abraham in Genesis 18:2. One of them was the Lord, while the other two were angels. When the two angels went into Sodom and Gomorrah, the men of those cities saw them as ordinary men because they were just like anybody else.
Also, in the New Testament, there were appearances of angels in human form, and today we still have such appearances. Angels have the authority to appear in a glorified form or in a concealed manner, looking like humans. This is why you must be kind to strangers. Don’t hesitate to help strangers and treat them as well as you would if you knew them, but do so without naivety.
Go Deeper
Matthew 25:34-35; Hebrews 13:2-3
Speak:
I’m full of love because the love of God is shed abroad in my heart by the Holy Spirit. I’m propelled and inspired by love always; I’m kindhearted, hospitable, and gracious. I manifest the love of Christ to everyone, guided by the wisdom of God, in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
ONE YEAR
Romans 9:1-29, Psalms 74-77
TWO YEAR
Ephesians 6:10-20, Isaiah 57
Act:
From today, treat everyone around you kindly, be it a friend or stranger.