287 – The Healing Power of Loving Strangers

287 – Have you ever been a stranger in a foreign country?

You didn't speak the language. You couldn’t read any of the signs, you couldn’t understand what people are saying. You don’t understand the customs.  

And you felt lost or confused by what was going on around you.

Or maybe you've been in a strange location and felt out of place.

Then, all of a sudden, someone helps you get where you're going or explains what's going on. A simple act of hospitality makes all the difference.

There’s a great need in today’s world to be hospitable to strangers, on an individual and a collective basis, and not just strangers from foreign countries. 

We need to be aware of the strangers in our midst as well. 

This week's episode shares several examples in the Bible of helping, even loving strangers, that bring healing and comfort and 

• Abraham and Sarah 
• Abigail's generosity compared to her husband's lack of hospitality 
• Elijah and Elijah
• Jesus of course
• Peter and John

One Jewish scholar points out that in the Hebrew Scriptures there is one verse commanding us to love our neighbors but 36 places that command us to love strangers. 

It’s hard to do for a variety of reasons. But it becomes easier when you've been a stranger somewhere, whether in a foreign country, a different city or neighborhood, a church, or a new job.

When you've been an outsider, it often gives you empathy for those who may feel they’re on the outside.

Jesus didn't have a home, but he made people feel at home and helped them realized they part of God's family, never a stranger.

You can do the same. This week treat a stranger with love and see what happens.

Show notes:
Full transcript and Bible quotes: thebiblespeakstoyou.com/287.