Hebrews 13:2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
This passage of scripture reminds us of our duty to help those whom we do not know. Love is a principle whereby all the thoughts and actions are governed, and therefore it makes no distinction as to whom assistance and kindness is administered to. If there is a need, a true Christian will not excuse himself, but will rather pray for guidance so that help can be given in meaningful ways. We are to acknowledge God in all our ways so that He may direct us with wisdom and discretion in all the ways of His choosing, and yet the love that is born of God has a spontaneity to it that naturally reacts in the positive when a genuine need is discerned.
This is what Abraham and Sarah did when they hosted three unknown guests at their home. It was a bright and sunny day, when on account of the severe heat, Abraham was resting in a place nearby that was covered with trees, when in the distance he saw three strangers walking. Immediately it occurred to him that these three men would be in need of some refreshment because of the heat of the day. What followed next represents the rapid response that should characterize every Christian as it pertains to discerning and filling the needs of others.
Genesis 18:2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground, 3 And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant: 4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree: 5 And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.
This spontaneous kindness of Abraham resulted in tremendous blessings to his entire household for generations to come, for the three men were actually Christ and two angels disguised as human beings. Jesus here confirmed the promise that Abraham and his wife Sarah would indeed have a son the following year, a promise that brought untold Joy to them in their old age.
In our day the same principle of benevolence which motivated Abraham, should also guide us in our interactions with each other and also with strangers. Now we are fully aware that not all strangers may have good intentions as in the case of Abraham, for we are indeed living in dangerous times, which call for much prayer and the use of common sense. Yet we should be careful no to let the turbulent times in which we live, stifle the free exercise of kindness to all with whom we contact, for if God be with us, we can certainly trust ourselves to His care and keeping.
We therefore end with a passage of scripture which reminds us that God is kind to all of His creation, and therefore, we as His disciples should also follow in His footsteps. Let's read:
1st Corinthians 13:4 Charity suffereth long, and is kind; charity envieth not; charity vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up, 5 Doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not her own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; 6 Rejoiceth not in iniquity, but rejoiceth in the truth; 7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. 13 And now abideth faith, hope, charity, these three; but the greatest of these is charity.
May the principle of true love find sweet exercise in our daily interactions with our fellowmen, for this is the will of God concerning us. "Good night" and God bless!