Strangers

4-27-2012 by Boyd Bailey “He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing. Therefore love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” Deuteronomy 10:18,19, NKJV Strangers can seem strange and distant, but they are still human beings created in the image of God. They may smell different, look odd, be eccentric, and speak unclearly, nevertheless their heart longs for encouragement and acceptance. It is out of a strange place that a person can find their heavenly Father and begin their journey of knowing Him. The Holy Spirit daily directs His disciples to be a conduit for a stranger’s salvation. Therefore, we have an opportunity every day to expose unfamiliar people to a picture of God’s grace. If they know Jesus, our act of kindness emboldens their belief. If faith living is foreign to the new acquaintance, our generous gratuity may solicit their soul to ask why. We love strangers, because we were all once strangers to Christ’s intimate love. Love goes to strange places, for strange people, so they are no longer strangers to God. “I was a father to the needy; I took up the case of the needy.” Job 29:16 Do you rush across the path to an unfamiliar face, or do you look for divine encounters? Is your momentary prayer kept just for yourself, or do your prayers seek unknown souls? Hospitality and generosity for those who are without is your bridge to invite them into a relationship with you. Maybe a single adult just moved into your apartment complex or a new family visited your church for the first time; if so, see them as a candidate for your care. Your initiative to invade another’s aloneness illustrates Christ’s caring community. Remember the strange and uncomfortable feeling of being a stranger in a new place? Then look for those lost in their unfamiliar surroundings. A new mom may need your mentoring. A new employee may need your apprenticeship. A new Christian may need your discipleship. A new father may need your wisdom. Strangers will not remain strangers after you invest in their lives. Love welcomes guests as new friends. “For I [Jesus] was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.” Matthew 25:35 Prayer: Lord, who can I reach out to that is lost in their strange circumstance? Related Readings: Leviticus 25:35; Job 31:32; Psalm 119:19; Hebrews 11:9 God Bless! Logan Stout