Strangers and foreigners

LAST summer my son and I were heading to a connecting flight at Chicago’s International Airport. As we walked briskly from one terminal to another, he said to me excitedly, “Look, Mommy, a Dinka!”

Dinkas comprise the largest tribe in South Sudan. They’re considered the tallest people group in Africa and with their beautiful, deep skin color are fairly easy to recognize if you’re somewhat familiar with sub-Saharan tribes. We stopped to say “hello” to the man and he was pleased, albeit surprised, that upon seeing him we identified his heritage.

Through broken English the gentleman explained that a few years earlier he and his family had entered America as war refugees. He said they were thankful to be here, but they still felt like strangers in a foreign land.

Hearing this man’s plight caused me to reflect on Matthew 25:37-39, which states that the “righteous ones” will reply, “Lord, when did we ever see You hungry and feed You? Or thirsty and give You something to drink? Or a stranger and show You hospitality? Or naked and give You clothing? When did we ever see You sick or in prison and visit You?”

As members of the body of Christ, we’re called to:

• Love each other as brothers and sisters (Deuteronomy 10:18-19; Hebrews 13:1).

• Show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it! (v.2).

• Remember those in prison, as if we were there ourselves (v.3).

• Remember also those who are being mistreated, as if we were experiencing their pain in our own bodies (v.3).

Today, let’s ask God to help us recognize the people, including strangers, to whom we can show true hospitality. — Roxanne Robbins