BE KIND TO STRANGERS

PROCLAMATION

“Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters.  Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”  Hebrews 13:1-2 (NIV)

 

EXPLANATION

These words were written by an unknown human author under the influence of The Holy Spirit of God to the Hebrew believers and indirectly to all believers.  In this final chapter of The Bible Book of Hebrews, the author begins by telling them to love one another as brothers and sisters.  In chapter eleven he dealt with faith, in chapter twelve he dealt with hope, and here he deals with love.  He reminds them to be kind to strangers who unbeknownst to them may be angels. (Hebrews 13:2)  He told them to be kind to those who are incarcerated and those who have been mistreated. (Hebrews 13:3)  He also told them to honor marriage and that God would deal with those who commit adultery and the sexually immoral. (Hebrews 13:4)  Then he told them not to be in love with money and that they should be content with what they have. (Hebrews 13:5)  He reminded them that The Lord God said that He would never leave them or forsake them.  After that he goes on to tell them to remember, honor and pray for the man who taught them The Word of God. (Hebrews 13:7-18)  He ends the chapter with a thoughtful benediction, (Hebrews 13:20-21) a word of encouragement, (Hebrews 13:22) and the wishes them well.

 

APPLICATION

It is easy to love our family members and friends, even though at times they make it difficult for us.  It is much more challenging for us to love all of our church members and all who claim to be Christian.  However, it requires a special effort to be kind to and to love complete strangers.  The author offers some practical examples for Christian living and behavior.  To do this we need His help. (Hebrews 13:3-6)  We need to pray for our leaders, teachers, preachers, and our pastors. (Hebrews 13:7 and 13:17-18)  We should be careful not to be caught up in strange, non-Biblical teachings. (Hebrews 13:9)  We should compare what we are taught and told with what The Bible says.  It is our guide as we travel on our Christian journey through this sin-sick world.  We are to love one another as Christ loves us. (John 13:34-35)  Christ said that as we have done things for the less fortunate people, we have done it to Him. (Matthew 25:35-40)