Hebrews 13:2 "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it."
2006-10-12 09:40:52 · 21 answers · asked by Nikki 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Christian principles regarding strangers.
In the Christian Greek Scriptures love toward the stranger is strongly emphasized as a quality the Christian must exercise. The apostle Paul says: “Do not forget hospitality, “fondness for strangers”, for through it some, unknown to themselves, entertained angels.” (Heb 13:2) Jesus showed that he counts hospitality extended to his brothers, strangers or unacquainted though they may be at the time, as having been extended toward him. (Mt 25:34-46) The apostle John wrote commending Gaius for his good works toward Christian men, strangers to Gaius, sent to visit the congregation of which Gaius was a member, and he condemns Diotrephes, who showed them no respect.
2006-10-12 10:44:24 · answer #1 · answered by BJ 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That's a good one Nikki, many turn away strangers and mock them especially if their poor or homeless, how many times has people done this and in actuallity it was an Angel that they turned away. There's a scripture in the Book of Mormon I think fits this topic if you don't mind, Moroni 7:47, "But charity is the pure love of Christ, and it endureth forever; and whoso is found possessed of it at the last day, it shall be well with him."
2006-10-12 16:51:28 · answer #2 · answered by princezelph 4 · 2⤊ 0⤋
We should always show kindness to everyone we encounter for they may be an angel in disguise. Abraham encounters three strangers who did not know at first that they were two angels and God in human appearance. Abraham shows them great kindness by having a meal prepared for them.
2006-10-12 16:53:59 · answer #3 · answered by brother g 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
It means you should be nice to everyone no matter what. You never know when a true Angel will be the one you meet. Jesus was sent here, not as a king and that is why most do not believe he is the son of GOD. You must always be willing to help people who are in need no matter what. Thank you and GOD bless you.
2006-10-12 16:46:34 · answer #4 · answered by cookie 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I think it is an awesome verse that should be memorized. It shows us that we should be kind to everybody no matter who they are, cause you never no when something better that just feeling good will come out of it, say entertaining angels?lol
2006-10-13 16:59:38 · answer #5 · answered by calculator2006 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
That we are not to ignore the poor that we come across. To me I was taught to Help feed the poor. It was the one thing I can think of when I read this verse. Or it could also mean to people that we do not know. If we see some one in need to help them in their desperate situation to ask God for guidance and help them out in any way possible.
2006-10-12 16:46:56 · answer #6 · answered by jrealitytv 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
He was referring to this event in Genesis, where three angels visited Abraham:
Gen 18:1 And the Lord appeared to him in the vale of Mambre as he was sitting at the door of his tent, in the very heat of the day.
Gen 18:2 And when he had lifted up his eyes, there appeared to him three men standing near to him: and as soon as he saw them, he ran to meet them from the door of his tent, and adored down to the ground.
Gen 18:3 And he said: Lord, if I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away from thy servant.
Gen 18:4 But I will fetch a little water, and wash ye your feet, and rest ye under the tree.
Gen 18:5 And I will set a morsel of bread, and strengthen ye your heart, afterwards you shall pass on: for therefore are you come aside to your servant. And they said: Do as thou hast spoken.
2006-10-12 16:47:29 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It makes me think of that old story of the shoemaker who was promised that Jesus would come visit him one Christmas night...he fixed a fine dinner, and sat up and waited for his Holyl Guest.
As he waited, he was visited by a man with no shoes in the cold winter weather, a hungry woman, and a lost child...he took time to help all three.
Finally, he gave up, and asked Jesus why He hadn't kept His promise...
His answer...
I was the man with the bloody feet
I was the woman with no food to eat
I was the child on the homeless street.....
What a lesson!!
2006-10-12 17:01:22 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the stranger...ur not going to invite a rapist into ur home and then feed him! we must be selective on whom we choose and go with our gut instinct.
I have helped in time of need when a stranger needed it, but everyone in town knew him and I didn't see any threat. Plus I was not alone, I had roomates.
2006-10-12 16:50:29 · answer #9 · answered by marhaba_hi 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I believe it to mean just what it says. We should be polite and treat everyone with respect that we come into contact with. We never know when it might be an angel.
2006-10-12 16:46:46 · answer #10 · answered by CuriousGirl 4 · 3⤊ 0⤋