Strange Scriptures to Grow Your FaithSample

You Never Know Who You’re Dealin’ With

Sometimes you don’t know who you’re dealing with. The person right in front of you may not be who you expect. Since that’s the case, you should always be kind, welcoming, and friendly. 

This is a principle that the writer of Hebrews expresses in Hebrews 13:2. He is giving the Jewish Christians instructions regarding kindness and hospitality toward other Christians, which included hosting them in their home and welcoming them to stay the night.

Hospitality was an important aspect of first-century life. Traveling Christians depended on other Christians to host them. It might be unusual for twenty-first century people to imagine this because we are used to staying at a Hilton or Marriott. But back then, inns weren’t luxury resorts. They were filthy, dangerous, and often used for prostitution.

To emphasize the importance of being kind and hospitable, the writer of Hebrews says, “Do not neglect” it. The word “neglect” comes from the Greek word epilanthanomai. It means “to lose thought of something.” Here, it is in the present tense. This means that it is something to be done continuously. Therefore, it could be translated as “constantly keep strangers in mind” or “don’t ever forget to be kind to others and welcome them.”

It was a strong exhortation for the Jewish Christians to always be genial and welcoming to people they didn’t know, especially other Christians.

To support this further, the writer of Hebrews explains, “For thereby some have entertained angels unaware.” The writer of Hebrews likely has in mind the story of Abraham in Genesis 18. Abraham showed kindness and hospitality to three men who were passing by his tent. He enabled them to wash up, fed them, and encouraged them to rest. Little did he know that one of the three was Yahweh. And Yahweh promised Abraham that he and Sarah would have a son, despite their old age. Talk about a blessing in disguise.

In using this story, the writer of Hebrews is telling the Jewish Christians that being kind and hospitable to others may turn out to benefit them in return. That stranger we are blessing may have a bigger blessing for us. 

Try it. Today, be kind to strangers. Welcome them. Bless them. While you may not have the opportunity to invite them into your home for coffee or tea, why not treat them at the coffee shop? Hold a door for them. Pick up their tab. Who knows what it might turn into?