The Lord watches over the strangers; he upholds the orphan and the widow. Psalm 146:9

Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it. Hebrews 13:2 NIV

Who are strangers? Maybe it’s those we don’t know yet – there is a saying that a stranger is a friend you have yet to meet. Maybe we learned “don’t talk to strangers” as children. In the Bible the term is used to indicate outsiders, those that aren’t part of the group. It could be non-Israelites living in the area, temporary guests or foreigners.  

Jesus taught us to welcome strangers. In Matthew 25:35 Jesus tells us that when we welcome strangers, we welcome Him. When we feed, clothe and shelter those in need, or visit those in prison, it is the same as doing it to Jesus. The story of the Good Samaritan illustrates how strangers can be the ones showing hospitality. Thus the writer of Hebrews can admonish us to not forget to show hospitality to strangers. After all, even those who wrote the Psalms would agree. The Israelites were to treat strangers with hospitality in remembrance of their own time being strangers in Egypt.

Who are the strangers in our society today? They can be those from other countries, of other ethnicities, those experiencing homelessness, or in need of food from the food shelves. Some of those strangers ride with us on light rail, sleep in doorways, and yes, may seem a little threatening.

How about strangers at church? We have a sign by the name tags, God knows your name, we need a little help – wear a name tag. As Christians, we are to welcome everyone,  to show hospitality to all.  Jesus doesn’t consider any of us strangers, we need to follow as He leads.

Lord, you entrust us to watch over the least fortunate in life. Help us to look after strangers, the homeless, and disabled. We remember what you told us: when we do it for the least of these, we do it also for you. Let us not miss out on welcoming you by failing to welcome others. May we take good care of your people, Lord. Amen.

Chris Gabel

Ministries
Teaching Mission Party