It felt safer years ago when I was a kid… I could ride my bike through the neighborhood, play in a new friend’s backyard or even walk to the store to get a snack or rent a movie without the fear of something bad happening. Maybe you can relate or maybe I sound ancient because I said something about renting a movie from a store but either way it was a different time. As I reflect, I find those times were different but somehow the same as today.
Many of us have heard the sage advice from loved ones, “Don’t Talk to Strangers!” There is great wisdom for children in this warning. However, as we grow and mature this direction becomes less imperative.
Several times in the Scriptures we are actually told to engage with strangers, to be purposeful and attentive to the strangers around us. The word often used to demonstrate how we should engage with strangers is “hospitality”.
“and having a reputation of good works: if she has brought up children, has shown hospitality…” 1 Tim 5:10
“Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality”. Romans 12:13
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” Hebrew 13:2
“Show hospitality to one another without grumbling”. 1 Peter 49
In the Bible, hospitality is presented in 2 ways: ATTITUDE & ACTION
In I Timothy we read of details to the church concerning widows in the first century church that is applicable to us today. Direction is given about the ATTITUDE or demeanor with which we should approach “strangers”. The word used, translated hospitality says we are to deal with others in a way with an attitude of intentional willingness.
“Hospitality” (Xenodocheo)(Gr.) - with willingness receiving and engaging
A different Greek word is used in the Romans, Hebrews and I Peter passages above, but is still translated into English as hospitality. The meaning of the original word used reveals the ACTION with which we should be involved with “strangers”
“Hospitality” (Philoxenia)(Gr.) - with love and generosity to others, to those that aren’t yours.
We, You and I, are called to engage with strangers with an attitude of willingness receiving them with love and generosity as if they were “your” people.
Seems easy when it’s written but proves to be difficult when putting into practice. This is the case for me and may be the case for you. So, we pray…
…for an attitude of willingness.
…for love and generosity for others.
So that, in these relationships:
Physical needs will be met
Spiritual lives will be changed by the Gospel
“in order that in everything God may be glorified through Jesus Christ.” (I Peter 4:11)
If you were told “Don’t Talk to Strangers” when you were younger, be gracious with your parents — They didn’t ruin your Christian life!
Pray and Choose now to pursue those that are not known to you with love and generosity for the sake of the Gospel and and to glorify God through Christ.
