Caring for strangers as if they were close friends or loved
ones
Hebrews 13:2 Do not neglect to show
hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have
entertained angels without knowing it.
| The act or practice of receiving and entertaining
strangers or guests without reward, or with kind and
generous liberality. |
| A bishop -- must be given to
hospitality |
|
1 Tim. iii.
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Webster's 1st ed., 1828
From the Greek, filoxenos from filos,
philos, friend, and xenos, xenos,
stranger.
Compare xenophobia, "distrust of immigrants"
I know what it's like to be homeless, and a stranger.
I lodge foreigners, traveling evangelists, and the homeless.
I am a citizen of heaven, and treat citizens of all nations with
identical fairness; I feel equally close to people of every nation.
My open home is a reflection of my open heart. I do not throw
parties for the rich, hoping to have the favor returned, but for the
poor, hoping to share God's bounty with those in need.
I am enriched and energized by strangers who stay in my home, as
I am reminded of God's grace to me.
I entertain strangers so frequently that doubtless I entertain
many angels unawares. Therefore I am dedicated to:
- Making sure the environment is suitable for those we serve
- Knowing how long a visit should last
- Providing an atmosphere which contributes to growth
- Providing leadership for a peaceful and harmonious surrounding
- Cheerfully sharing food, shelter, and spiritual refreshment
with those God brings into my life. Hebrews 13:2
- "that you may be sons of your
Father in heaven; for He makes His sun rise on the evil and on
the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust."
Matthew 5:45
I am becoming more and more open-hearted.
My parents wanted me to be neighborly, and my patriarchal life is
an honor to their desires.
My friends know me to be inviting.
My family sees me becoming more and more able to share.
My parents are proud of my congenial life.
My gracious habits are an asset to my community.
Those I work with are delighted that I am becoming more and more
sympathetic.
I am not afraid to be freely giving in a culture that is not.
My desire to be welcoming pleases God.
I am committed to becoming more and more receptive.
People around me can depend on me to be friendly.
The Spirit empowers me to practice the Royal Virtue.
I often think about how I can be more convivial.
I appreciate graciousness.
My spirit reverberates with warmth.
My conscience knows the value of compassion.
I have a natural affinity with tender mercy.
I am at home with the merciful.
Being family for those who have none is a real passion with me.
These words resonate in my being; I treat "the least of
these" as I would treat Christ Himself:
- convivial
- receptive
- welcoming
- warm
- open
- gracious
- sharing
- inviting
- friendly
- congenial
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- receptive
- sympathetic
- merciful
- kindness
- kinship
- tenderness
- affable
- amiable
- neighborly
|
And we know that all things work together for good to those
who love God, to those who are the called according to His
purpose. For whom He foreknew, He also predestined to be
conformed to the image of His Son, that He might be the firstborn
among many brethren.
-- Romans 8:28-29
My delight is in the Law of the LORD; and in His Law I
meditate day and night.
-- Psalm 1:2
This isn't that New Age
"Positive Thinking" stuff, is it??
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