“Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels” (Hebrews 13:2).
Xenophobia is a fear of strangers. Philoxenia is a love of strangers; it manifests itself in kindness to them, up to and including xenizo, the reception of strangers as guests and lodgers in your home.
Neglecting this Christian duty is both a transgression of a divine imperative and the loss of great opportunity.
Because of Abraham’s hospitality to strangers (in Genesis 18), he showed kindness and grace to three heavenly beings (v. 1); one of whom was the angel of the Lord (v. 17). Because of his hospitality, Abraham was reassured that his long-awaited son of promise was less than a year away from being born (vv. 10-14). Because of his hospitality, Abraham was forewarned about the complete annihilation of Sodom and Gomorrah (vv. 20-21). Because of his hospitality, Abraham enjoyed the blessing of intimate conversation with God (vv. 23-30).
What rich and unique blessings Abraham enjoyed by entertaining strangers! One can only wonder how many rich and unique blessings you and I miss out when we “forget to entertain strangers”.
