Creating Comfort For A Stranger

Creating Comfort for a Stranger

When God’s people are in need, be ready to help them. Always be eager to practice hospitality. Romans 12:13

In Romans 12, Paul describes what it means to give ourselves to God and to be a vessel he can use: to be devoted to loving others, to serve God, to be faithful in prayer, and to practice hospitality. The writer of the book of Hebrews encourages Christians not to forget to entertain strangers, because some people have entertained angels without knowing it (see 13:2). In 1 Peter 4:9, we’re told to “cheerfully share [our homes] with those who need a meal or a place to stay.” In fact, hospitality was a practice of God’s people in both Old Testament and New Testament times.

In today’s crazy-busy world, hospitality is in danger of becoming a lost art. But when women open their hearts and homes to strangers, acquaintances, or neighbors, the impact can be powerful. Years ago, with two boys under the age of five and a three-week-old baby, we moved to Oklahoma City shortly before Christmas. With all three kids sick and no family or friends in town, cabin fever quickly set in. I felt isolated and sad in the long days and nights while my husband worked. If only I knew someone to call or a neighbor who had kids too.

Suddenly there was a knock at my door. A young woman with two little ones in tow smiled and held out a handmade invitation to her neighborhood Christmas coffee the following Saturday. “Bring your kids, too, and cookies,” she said. “Join us if you can!”

That time of coffee, comfort, and conversation in front of the fireplace was the highlight of my winter, a real lifeline. My neighbor’s open heart and home meant the world to me and to other new people on the block. My weary soul was refreshed and warmed by the fellowship. I met other women, and we started a playgroup for our children. We got to know one another, and I saw my loneliness dissipating over peanut butter sandwiches and outings to a nearby park. As humans, we are created for relationship. We function best with someone to share the joys, struggles, and burdens of our lives. To whom could you open your heart and home this week? —CHERI

Jesus, grant me an open heart and home and a desire to practice hospitality for your sake, even—and especially—to those outside my circle of friends and family.

To create a meal and a memory for loved ones or friends is a gift; to create comfort for a stranger is a blessing! —NANCY DEWITTE