Stranger

I was reading Matthew 25 and verse 35 where Jesus says, I was a stranger and you invited me in. Feeling like an outcast is an awful feeling. From the outside looking in on people that are loving one another, sharing conversation, and laughing is a lonely feeling. I was at a church in Nashville, Tennessee last February where I was a stranger....in a place where I don't think I should've felt like one. I got to this church 20 minutes early and I sat there alone hoping someone would say hello, welcome, how are you, or come sit with us.....Maybe I shouldn't have expected it, but it is a good example of feeling like a stranger. A stanger is someone who does not belong in the environment they are in. So to not neglect showing hospitality to strangers would be to invite them in to what we are doing. As a disciple of Christ I am thinking that I should be on the lookout for people who are on the outside looking in. I saw a man eating alone about a month ago when I was out with some friends. I looked at him and thought of asking him to join us, but I decided not to because I just figured that he was content eating alone. That was such an opportunity to invite someone into fellowship and show him the love of Christ. Even if he didn't want to it would have made an impact on his life. I think we have all felt like an outcast at some point in our life...possibly in a position where we were hoping to be asked to join a group of people or an activity we wanted to participate in. The Kingdom is inclusive, all are welcome to join the family. I think it's just up to us to be spiritually sharp and self-less in order to see the strangers in our lives.

Be kinder than necessary, everyone you come in contact with today is battling something.

I heard this quote on the radio and I was able to extend some of what I heard to a man that approached my car after leaving the McDonald's drive-through.  This guy asked me if I could give him some money for some bus fair and I have heard this line like a million times on the eastside and downtown.  I asked him if he was hooked on dope.....which sounds kinda crazy, but he looked at me and said,"dang you just came right out and asked me."  He then said,"Yes I am."  I asked him if he wanted to quit or wanted help and I was able to let him know I have been exactly where he's currently at.  There was much more dialogue, but to make a long story short he wasn't ready for help.  I looked him in the eyes and told him that I love him, he's loved, and God loves him.  He told me that it was the best news he's heard in a long time.  That moment was perfect.  I got out of bed and grabbed my computer cause I felt like I had to write about love.  When is the last time someone looked you in the eye and told you that you were loved?  Or when is the last time you looked at a friend and just told them you loved them and that God loves them?  It ministered to me just speaking the words to another person.  Love is irresistible to the giver and the receiver. Our words are so powerful, the power of life and death.  We can give hope, encouragement, and life or we can bring death, despair, and  hell by what we  say and do to others.   Being kinder than necessary to me is just being aware of others posture and trying to minister to them the love of Christ by simply smiling, saying hello, giving compliments, and recognizing there needs.  Smile as much as possible:)  There are a lot of frowns now days.   I am serious, there is so much that can be accomplished through a simple smile and graceful greeting.  Peace