Pauses for Lent Day 36
Pauses for Lent by Trevor Hudson
Word for Day 36: STRANGER
Scripture: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Matthew 23:35
Many people in this world feel like they are strangers, especially in situations where we have no genuine connections with other people. This sense of disconnect can happen in our places of work, our church communities, and even our homes.
Significantly, Jesus and the New Testament writers emphasize welcoming the stranger. The writer of Hebrew’s maintains that when we show hospitality to strangers, we may entertain angels unaware. (Hebrews 13:2). Not only are we encouraged to make strangers around us feel at home, but we are also reminded that Christ comes close to us when we do.
Welcoming strangers is a basic component of discipleship. Acknowledging this makes us more aware both of the strangers around us and also motivates us to reach out and welcome them.
Comment from Marie: It is interesting to me that the word for today is “stranger” verses “hospitality.” Maybe by focusing on finding strangers amongst us we can offer hospitality more often. If welcoming strangers is a basic component of discipleship we will want to find as many strangers to offer hospitality to as possible! One of the most frequent remembrances of Linda Young that I heard is how hospitable she was. What a good example she can be. Please share your thoughts on today’s word.
Word for Day 36: STRANGER
Scripture: “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Matthew 23:35
Many people in this world feel like they are strangers, especially in situations where we have no genuine connections with other people. This sense of disconnect can happen in our places of work, our church communities, and even our homes.
Significantly, Jesus and the New Testament writers emphasize welcoming the stranger. The writer of Hebrew’s maintains that when we show hospitality to strangers, we may entertain angels unaware. (Hebrews 13:2). Not only are we encouraged to make strangers around us feel at home, but we are also reminded that Christ comes close to us when we do.
Welcoming strangers is a basic component of discipleship. Acknowledging this makes us more aware both of the strangers around us and also motivates us to reach out and welcome them.
Comment from Marie: It is interesting to me that the word for today is “stranger” verses “hospitality.” Maybe by focusing on finding strangers amongst us we can offer hospitality more often. If welcoming strangers is a basic component of discipleship we will want to find as many strangers to offer hospitality to as possible! One of the most frequent remembrances of Linda Young that I heard is how hospitable she was. What a good example she can be. Please share your thoughts on today’s word.
1 Comment
Welcoming strangers can truly make a difference in people's lives. As far back as 1973 when we were strangers in Johnstown, I can remember Linda Young's warm welcome when I first visited Love Circle of UMW.