Don't Forget!

Hebrews 13:2 notes the second virtue to be found within the life of the Christian. It states, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels.” The phrasing in the first part reminds me that sometimes this is what we forget to do.

The writer implies that we can, at times, lose sight and forget what one of our duties as a Christian is. It is simply to be hospitable. And it doesn’t even mean to people we know and love and have relationships with. It says “entertain strangers.” This was a key concept in the lives of the early Christians. They were, as noted in the previous post, under persecution. What a thing to ask then, that they be nice to strangers. Can you imagine being a follower of Christ in that day, not knowing who you could trust with your beliefs? Yet the author of Hebrews encourages them in essence saying, be nice to everyone anyway! Be courteous, be thoughtful, have concern, and invite guests. This is the meaning of hospitality.

What a concept for us today, as well. It is so easy to slip into complacent Christianity (ho hum, go to church, go to work, go home). Rather, let us be mindful today, let us not forget, to entertain strangers. What better way to serve Christ and make Him known?