ODJ: gifts from a stranger
June 4, 2011
Whenever we have the opportunity, we should do good to everyone—especially to those in the family of faith (Galatians 6:10).
READ: Hebrews 13:1-3
Though vigilance is often advisable when interacting with strangers, Scripture states that there are times when we should offer them help (Job 31:31-32; Romans 12:13). As someone who recently benefitted from the generosity of a couple I’d never met before, I can attest that such kindness met a deep need in my life. It also ramped up my faith and heightened my appreciation of being part of the body of Christ.
It all started when my son attended a Fellowship of Christian Athletes (FCA) sports camp in western Maryland. When Scott Myers, the area FCA director, learned that my son and I were visiting from Uganda, he asked if there was anything he and his wife Stacey could do to serve us. Because I needed to trim expenses in order to continue my ministry in Africa, I asked if they could possibly help me remove the items I’d been paying to store since I moved there 3 years ago.
In response, Scott and his family provided trucks and the manpower to retrieve my possessions from a facility 2 hours away. Then he arranged for me to host a massive sale using his in-laws’ yard and wraparound porch.
Scott and Stacey helped me eliminate wasteful spending and earn much-needed money. More important, their selfless actions reflected the essence of 3 John 1:5, “You are being faithful to God when you care for the traveling teachers who pass through, even though they are
strangers to you.”
Stacey and Scott Myers have become my friends. I’m excited to show hospitality to them soon when they bring a short-term missions team to Uganda to work with my organization Tukutana.
Let’s all pray for and look for opportunities to bless strangers that God places in our path. —Roxanne Robbins
To what strangers have you shown Jesus’ loving care recently? How does caring for strangers reflect God’s compassion?
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