Thoughts from daily Bible reading for today – September 13, 2014
He administers justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the stranger, giving him food and clothing. Therefore love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt. Deuteronomy 10:18-19, NKJV
Strangers can seem strange and distant, but they are still human beings created in the image of God. They may smell different, look odd, be eccentric, or speak unclearly, nevertheless their hearts long for encouragement and acceptance. It is out of a strange place that a person can find their heavenly Father and begin their journey of knowing Him. The Holy Spirit directs His disciples daily to be a conduit for a stranger’s salvation.
Therefore, we have an opportunity every day to expose unfamiliar people to a picture of God’s grace. If they know Jesus, our act of kindness emboldens their belief. If faith living is foreign to the new acquaintance, our generous gratuity may solicit their souls to ask why. We love strangers, because we were once all strangers to Christ’s intimate love. Love goes to strange places, for strange people, so that they no longer may be strangers to God. Strangers will not remain strangers after your investment in their lives. Love welcomes guests as new friends.
“I was a father to the needy; I took up the case of the stranger” (Job 29:16).
Related Readings: Romans 12:10-16; 14:13; 15:7; 2 Corinthians 13:11; Galatians 5:13
Taken from the September 13th reading in our new book, The Way of Wisdom: A Journey Towards Spiritual Growth, coming in October! Pre-order your copy today.
Boyd’s one minute video about the new book- http://bit.ly/1nhZ2bt
