Tim Maas Retired Quality Assurance Specialist with the U.S. Army

Hebrews 13:2 says, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares." To me, the Biblical reference that this verse most clearly evokes is the story of Abraham and the three visitors in Genesis 18.

In addition, Jesus specifically mentioned ministering to strangers as an example of the type of deeds that constitute ministering to Him personally (Matthew 25:35). 

If by the term "minister" the questioner is referring to sharing the Gospel, the Great Commission of Jesus to make disciples of all nations (Matthew 28:19) makes Christians aware that they should always be in a "mission mode", both by providing a silent witness to the reality of their faith in their daily words and actions with others (many of whom, it would seem, the believer would not already know), even if not actually evangelizing them; and (as Peter advised) by always being prepared to give an answer to anyone who would be prompted to ask -- because of a Christian's demeanor and conduct being markedly different (in a positive way) from others because of the Christian's salvation -- a reason for the hope that they have (1 Peter 3:15).

Also, the "shrinking" of the globe through communication and travel makes us all aware of people in the world who are "strangers" in the sense that we will never personally know or even meet them, but who are in need of both the Gospel message and the necessities of daily life with which many of us have been so abundantly blessed. This should motivate us to support ministries that are working toward meeting both of those needs in whatever manner we can (even if we ourselves cannot personally participate directly in those efforts).

December 14 2015 • 0 responses • Vote Up • Share • Report