The Kindness Of Strangers

Read: Philippians 2:1-8

Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels. --- Hebrews 13:2

The Bible In One Year:
Leviticus 25-27
Proverbs 20:1-10

While I was taking a flight to Surabaya, Indonesia, for a Bible conference, the flight attendants brought meal service. I had just eaten in the Singapore airport, so I declined, asking only for a soft drink. The Indonesian man next to me, a stranger was visibly concerned.

The man asked if I felt okay, and I assured him I was fine. He then asked if perhaps the meal didn't appeal to me. I responded that I just wasn't hungry. He then surprised me by offering his own meal to me, thinking that if I tried it I might actually enjoy it. It was done in such a gentle and genuine way that it was obviously an expression of his concern for my welfare.

In a self-centered world where we are conditioned to look out for our own interests above and beyond all else, such kindness was unexpected. The man's simple gesture showed a different kind of heart and a different set of values. As followers of Christ, we are called to model a similar counter-cultural attitude toward life [Phil. 2:1-8].

In Hebrews 13:2 we read, "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels." What better way to represent Christ than with kindness --- even to strangers. --- Bill Crowder

Try to bring God's love and kindness
Into someone's life today,
Even just the gift of caring
Will the Savior's love display. --- Hess

KINDNESS IS ONE GIFT ANYONE CAN GIVE.