Loving the Stranger

In our fast-paced world, it's easy to become laser-focused on our own agendas, schedules, and to-do lists. We often find ourselves annoyed or frustrated when unexpected interruptions derail our carefully laid plans. But what if these very interruptions are opportunities for something greater? What if they're invitations to show love, extend hospitality, and perhaps even encounter the divine?

The Bible offers us a profound perspective on this in Hebrews 13:1-2: "Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it." This passage challenges us to view interruptions not as inconveniences, but as potential moments of divine appointment.

The original Greek word used for hospitality in this verse is "philoxenia," which literally translates to "love of strangers" or "love of foreigners." It's a beautiful concept that goes beyond merely being nice to guests in our homes. It's about extending love and kindness to those who are different from us, those who might make us uncomfortable, or those we might be tempted to overlook.

Consider the story of Abraham in Genesis 18. On a hot day, as he was resting in the entrance of his tent, Abraham spotted three strangers approaching. Instead of ignoring them or viewing them as an unwelcome interruption, Abraham leapt into action. He hurried to meet them, bowed low, and insisted they stay for a meal and rest. Little did Abraham know that these visitors were actually divine messengers, bringing news that would change his life forever.

Abraham's story teaches us the importance of being available. He could have easily stayed in his tent, avoiding the heat and the effort required to host unexpected guests. Instead, he chose to be open to the interruption, and in doing so, he received a blessing. How often do we miss out on potential blessings because we're too busy or too focused on our own plans to notice the opportunities around us?

Another powerful example of love in interruptions comes from the New Testament, in the story of Jesus and Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10). Jesus was passing through Jericho, likely with a specific destination and purpose in mind. But when he spotted Zacchaeus - a despised tax collector - perched in a sycamore tree, Jesus paused. He called Zacchaeus by name and invited himself to the man's house, much to the shock and dismay of the crowd.

This encounter teaches us about being present. Jesus wasn't so preoccupied with his journey that he failed to notice the individual in need of grace. He was fully present in the moment, aware of his surroundings, and willing to adjust his plans to minister to one seeking soul. As a result, salvation came to Zacchaeus' house that day.

These biblical examples challenge us to reconsider how we view and respond to interruptions in our own lives. When a neighbor stops by unexpectedly for a chat, do we see it as an annoyance or an opportunity to show love? When a colleague needs a listening ear, do we brush them off to stick to our schedule, or do we take the time to be present with them?

Practicing hospitality in this way isn't always easy or convenient. It often requires us to lay aside our own agendas and comfort. But the potential impact is immeasurable. Consider the story of Rosaria Butterfield, a former atheist professor who was antagonistic towards Christianity. Her life was transformed through the simple act of a pastor and his wife inviting her over for dinner, listening to her without judgment, and continuing to extend friendship over time. This persistent hospitality eventually led to a profound spiritual transformation in Rosaria's life.

It's important to note that showing love in interruptions doesn't always mean grand gestures. Sometimes it's as simple as truly listening to a child who wants to share a story, even when we're in the middle of an important task. It might mean taking a moment to check on a coworker who seems stressed, even if it means delaying our own work slightly. These small acts of being available and present can have ripple effects we may never fully see or understand.

Interestingly, this concept of love in interruptions reflects God's own nature and His interactions with humanity. Think about the Israelites worshipping the golden calf at Mount Sinai - a major interruption to God's plans and a grave sin. Yet, God didn't abandon them. Instead, He revealed Himself to Moses as "the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness" (Exodus 34:6). God's love persisted despite the interruption of sin.

The ultimate example of love in interruption is, of course, the incarnation of Jesus Christ. As Philippians 2:6-8 describes, Jesus, "being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to his own advantage; rather, he made himself nothing by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death— even death on a cross!"

Jesus' entire earthly ministry was, in a sense, an interruption to His heavenly existence. Yet, it was through this "interruption" that salvation was made available to all of humanity. Christ's willingness to be interrupted, to enter our messy world and engage with us in our brokenness, is the greatest act of hospitality ever shown.

As we reflect on these truths, we're challenged to view interruptions differently. Instead of seeing them as obstacles to our plans, what if we saw them as invitations to love? What if we approached each day with a willingness to be available and present, ready to extend hospitality to whoever crosses our path?

This doesn't mean we abandon all structure or responsibility. Rather, it's about cultivating a heart that's open to divine appointments, a spirit that's willing to adjust our plans when opportunities to show love arise. It's about remembering that sometimes, in serving others, we might be entertaining angels unaware.

So the next time your day is interrupted, pause. Take a breath. Look around. Is this an opportunity to show love? To extend hospitality? To be the hands and feet of Christ to someone in need? You never know - that interruption might just be the most important part of your day.