He administer justice for the fatherless and the widow and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing. Therefore love the stranger………Deuteronomy 10: vs 18 and 19.
At some point in our life’s journey, each of us will know what it feels like to be a stranger. Entering into an unfamiliar place or terrain, instantly makes us outsiders and in those moments, the reception we receive can either uplift our spirits or weigh them down. No one really wants to experience the latter.
Having said that, how well do we treat people we don’t know – whether we are the givers of the love or the receivers? Do we go out of our way to make them comfortable and feel welcomed? Or do we just look away and remain indifferent because we don’t know them? Those who give love will always see it returned. What are we giving?
This reminds me of an experience I had some years ago. After graduating from the university,, I was posted to serve my nation in the northern region. By the time the driver got to the motor terminal, it was very late – around 10:30pm. The terminal was empty, there was no single person there. And I was still meant to travel to my destination for another hour and thirty minutes or so. I pleaded with him to proceed to my final destination with a promise to make an additional payment. I embarked on this dangerous journey alone with the driver who was also scared of robbers on the way but God kept us and we got to my destination safely. Even the camp authorities marveled at our audacity to travel at that time.. One of the things that stood out for me was the act of kindness displayed by the driver, who came back two weeks after to check up on me at the camp.
Several men and women in the Bible experienced breakthroughs through kindness. Rebecca in Genesis 24 vs 15 -28 and 45-46 gave water to a stranger, which ultimately led her to marital bliss. Abraham in Genesis 18 vs 1-8 gave food and entertained strangers, opening him up to a deeper experience with God. Moses also helped Jethro’s daughters, which also opened him up to his own marriage. Others include the shunammite woman, Rahab, Lot, the Good Samaritan and a host of others.
God specifically instructs us to love strangers, as by doing so, some have unwittingly entertained angels (Heb 13 vs 2). Loving a stranger could be as simple as feeding them, paying a hospital bill or school fees, providing clothing or showing kindness to someone we don’t know. Essentially, any of these acts gladdens God’s heart, bringing glory to His name.
While some of us are intentional with our acts of kindness towards strangers some of us aren’t. We come into contact with strangers everyday, in one-way or the other – on the streets, in malls, at social gatherings, in churches, in offices or on airplanes – and we sometimes forget to extend that hand of kindness. Finally, intentionally showing kindness towards strangers gladdens God and brightens our own spirits.
Shalom 🕊️
Bimpe Lawal