Hebrews 13:2 Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.
Have you ever held a door open for someone, whether it was at church, at the grocery store or anywhere out in the community? What about giving someone a smile that you didn’t know, giving up your seat, paying for groceries or a meal for a stranger? Daily we should be ready to show hospitality to anyone we come across. In Hebrews 13:2 it specifically tells us not to neglect to show hospitality to strangers because we could be entertaining angels.
In places of worship, greeters are placed at the main entrance to greet visitors and members of the services. They show hospitality by peacefully smiling and saying hello to those who enter in the building. Ushers lend a hand to those who need assistance coming in and for those who need to find a seat. Both positions in church are the eyes, hands and feet of Jesus. When he first met his chosen disciples, Jesus first greeted them. With perfect peace, he asked them to follow him. Then Jesus taught them in the way that they should live and how to treat others. Everything that Jesus instructed them to do was all in love. Being hospitable is also done in love. When Jesus laid his life down for us, he did the greatest, loving, hospitable thing for us even though we didn’t deserve it.
Contributed by Joe Starling, Spiritual Life Coordinator, Heritage Christian Services