A key Biblical commandment is to welcome the stranger.

As the book of Hebrews put it, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:2)

The reference is to Abraham, who welcomed three strangers who showed up at his tent, who turned out to be angels of God.

The reference is also to the story of Sodom and Gomorrah, where two strangers showed up in town, and Lot welcomed them with magnanimous hospitality.

The townspeople wanted to rape them.

Centuries later the people of Israel were told, “Do not mistreat the foreigner who is among you. Love the foreigner as yourself, for you also were foreigners in the land of Egypt.” (Leviticus 19:33–34)

Sadly, many people around the world continue to mistreat those who are perceived to be outsiders.

But God is a God of welcome, whose welcome is extended to everyone in Jesus Christ.

So we are called to welcome all with the grace of God.

Sunday’s Scripture Readings:
Genesis 19:1–16

About the Author

Dr. David A. Palmer has been the senior pastor at the United Methodist Church of Kent since 1995. He has a B.A. from Wittenberg University, a Master of Divinity from Duke University, and a Doctor of Ministry from Princeton Theological Seminary. A native of Wooster, Ohio, he has served three other churches in east Ohio before coming to Kent. He and his wife, Mavis, have three children.