It was a hot afternoon. We were a group of Christian students gathered in Mr. John’s house to plan for a youth camp. His house was three km from the nearest town. Since it was a Christian camp for students from different colleges, a few students from other colleges were also present for the discussion.
It was evening by the time we finished our discussions, and we were being served tea. As we were having tea, there was a knock on the door. As we were all wondering who it could be, Mr. John opened the door and invited the guest in. The stranger was offered a seat and some hot tea. The manner Mr. John spoke to him gave us an impression that he was an expected guest at that time. We were all taken aback when our kind host asked him the purpose of his knocking at his door.
The stranger showed him a slip of paper in which a name and address was written. He had come to the wrong address. Then Mr. John patiently explained how to reach the correct address and sent him on his way. Though this incident happened during my college days, it impressed me so much that my outlook on dealing with strangers changed from that day onward. I strongly believe that the stranger will never forgot this incident in his life. These days, living in cities is quite challenging. Daily the newspapers carry stories of murders and people being cheated and sometimes even harmed by strangers.
So how do we trust a stranger who comes to our door? The Bible says in Romans 12:13 “Open your homes to strangers” (NIV). The Bible also says, “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it,” (Heb 13:2 NIV). In the books of Exodus and Deuteronomy, God gives a list of directions to the Israelites on how to treat strangers, always wanting them to look back – looking back to how they themselves were as strangers.
A looking back that would bring to them feelings of misery in their bondage and of gratitude in their deliverance by God. A feeling that would now help them to respond to someone else. One of which, explicitly asks them to respond in love. And you are to love those who are aliens (strangers), for you yourselves were aliens in Egypt. (Deut 10:19 NIV). So if the Bible is clear on entertaining strangers, let us try to do so, but wisely. Since we live in a very evil time, we need to be careful while entertaining strangers. This becomes all the more important when only women are at home or when aged parents are alone.
While being cautious we need to remember that we are called to open our homes to strangers. One of the things that I usually do when a stranger comes to my door is to be always warm-hearted. I would go out and ask him or her what they need and how I can help. We could also do some more of the following. When someone comes to our door asking for direction or help: We can be courteous to them and talk politely (even if they look poor and you think they have obviously come for some money). •
If they seem to be genuine, especially if they are having children or have come as a family we can offer them something to drink, (hot or cold depending on the climate). • If we know that giving money is not going to help them in any good way (some try to create sympathy and get money to drink or gamble), we can offer them food, drink or clothes. • If our house is on the roadside, we can give people a shelter on rainy days or some water on a hot day. • If they come looking for an address, we could call on a number if they have one and guide them to the correct address. We could at least ask our neighbors if they know the address. When God gives opportunity to love others let us obey. For what good is it if we claim to be the light of the world if we cannot light another’s path? Yes, we are called to be different and let us show this world not by our words but by our actions.
Author: Mr. Prabakar Norman is a Software Engineer, heading the IT function of a Christian ministry.
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