For whom are we responsible?
Who takes priority in our lives? Our family? Our coworkers? The people we worship with at church?
Do we owe anything to the stranger we may never meet again?
Hebrews 13:2 says we do.
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.”
Everyone deserves our kindness. The wait staff at the restaurant. The gas station attendant. The punk-haired youth beside us on the subway.
It’s about balance. What you do comes back to you.
2 Corinthians 8:13-14 reveals kindness in perfect balance.
“For I do not mean that others should be eased and you burdened, but that as a matter of fairness your abundance at the present time should supply their need, so that their abundance may supply your need, that there may be fairness.”
We give out to others, and in turn, they give back unto us.
Romans 12:13 describes God’s plan to keep our needs in balance.
“Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.”
That sounds simple enough, but the Word goes further. We’re given a plan.
Matthew 25:35-36 gives us six ways to show kindness to strangers.
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.”
Let’s make a list so God’s instructions are easy to follow.
1. Donate to a food bank.
2. Drop off bottled water at a battered women’s shelter.
3. Invite your teen’s friends to sleepovers at your house.
4. Offer your spare clothing to a homeless shelter.
5. Join the hospital visitation team at your church.
6. Locate the nearest prison. Correspond with inmates in an encouraging way.
God is counting on you. Hurting people need your time. You are emulating Christ when you live as he would have you live.
Jesus draws us out of our churches so we can minister for him.
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