Romans 13:1 Let brotherly love continue. 2 Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
This passage of scripture teaches us the importance of cultivating uniform hospitality as a vital characteristic in Christian growth and practice. It is not the learned courtesy which is often displayed in the secular world that is being referred to here, but rather that kindness which is exercised to all men, regardless of race, creed, culture, caste, or national identity. This love for the well-being of all members of the human family is born of God and should be exercised as we interact with others. It is true that in our culture, and in this present age, great care and wisdom must also be used when inviting strangers into our homes, because the world and society as a whole have undergone drastic changes since the above passage was written. Yet the basic principle remains the same, and through the guidance and direction of The Holy Spirit, we can still be kind to others.
The reference in the passage is made in the context of experiences such as what took place with Abraham when He unknowingly invited three apparent strangers to partake of his refreshments before proceeding on their journey. As he sat in his tent door in the heat of the day, he observed three men passing his way, and before they could reach where he was, he ran towards them and bowed himself respectfully, asking them to turn aside to enjoy some food and drink, and to rest themselves from their travel in the hot sun. This being done Abraham ran into his tent and asked his wife Sarah to prepare a hot meal for them, and he himself also hastened to prepare the "fatted calf" so that his guests could eat to the full. Let's read:
Genesis 18:2 And he lift up his eyes" ... "and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground, 3 And said" ... "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. 6 And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth. 7 And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetced a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it. 8 And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.
The haste in which Abraham and Sarah prepared for the entertainment of their guests shows the genuine and eager concern for the comfort and well-being of others, which should always characterize our interaction with every member of the human family. It turned out that the three guests who Abraham catered for were actually The Son of God and two heavenly angels who appeared in the form of men, and because of his uniform kindness manifested without preference or bias, the glad announcement of Sarah's pregnancy was given, with specifics to the time that she would deliver her first ever baby.
Angels often appear in the form of men dressed as wayfarers, in casual garb or appearing in courts of law for the defense of those whose rights might otherwise been violated. The Bible mentions several such instances, so that we may know for a certainty that God is interested in the well-being of everyone, and we also should follow in His footsteps by exercising kindness to those whom we meet in the thoroughfares of life. We are often quick to invite friends and family over for lunch or other entertainment, but the stranger and the less fortunate are also to be included at our dinner tables and feasts. This is to be done whether strangers manifest a thankful attitude or not, for the love of God is shed abroad in the hearts of all, regardless of whether they grateful to Him or not . Let's read:
Luke 6:35 But love ye your enemies, and do good, and lend, hoping for nothing again; and your reward shall be great, and ye shall be the children of the Highest: for he is kind unto the unthankful and to the evil. 36 Be ye therefore merciful, as your Father also is merciful.
In our day, what a great difference would be made in the world if the principle of kindness to strangers was manifested uniformly across the entire spectrum of the human experience. Many of the conflicts and wars that were fought could be avoided if this principle was carried out by individuals and nations. When the invading Syrian army came to execute Elijah, he requested of the king of Israel that a great supper be prepared for them, and after they had eaten and were satisfied, the Bible gives us the following startling testimony, that they came no more to invade the territory of the Israelites. Let's read:
2nd Kings 6:20 And it came to pass, when they were come into Samaria, that Elisha said, Lord, open the eyes of these men, that they may see" .... 21 And the king of Israel said unto Elisha, when he saw them, My father, shall I smite them? shall I smite them? 22 And he answered, Thou shalt not smite them" .... "set bread and water before them, that they may eat and drink, and go to their master. 23 And he prepared great provision for them: and when they had eaten and drunk, he sent them away, and they went to their master. So the bands of Syria came no more into the land of Israel.
It is our privilege and duty to follow in the footsteps of Christ by showing hospitality, kindness, and genuine concern to those who we meet from day to day, and when this is done, a new day will dawn in the human experience, thus making the world a better and much safer place for all of us to live. May these experiences be ours as we endeavor to serve God and each other each day. "Good night" and God bless!