Who’s The Stranger?

Nobody enjoys being the stranger in a new group. Nobody likes that anxious feeling on the first day of school where you have to pick where you sit in classes or at lunch. Nobody likes walking into a new job, wondering how you’ll be accepted as part of the team.

But what about when we are already part of the team? Are we aware of the new people that walk into our lives? Do we remember the time before we were accepted?

Jesus calls us to be on the lookout for the stranger.

In Matthew 25:35-36, Jesus is describing the kingdom of heaven. He says that the King will look at certain people and welcome them into His kingdom, because, “...I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.”

The righteous people are like, “Jesus, we didn’t see you, nor did we help you with any of those things” and Jesus tells them that whenever they helped anyone else, they were helping Him.

Whenever you are gathered with your friends, or your family, or your church, and someone new walks in, make sure to ask, “Who’s the stranger?” If we take Jesus at His word, then the answer is, “That’s Jesus!”

So, what can YOU do as a member of the Southwest Church of Christ? Here are a few ideas...

1. If you see someone who is new to our church, introduce yourself! Tell them you’re glad they are here and invite them to lunch or an upcoming event. The point is that by the end of your interaction, they shouldn’t feel like a stranger!

2. If someone looks confused, offer to help. Sometimes guests just need a little information to feel more at home.

3. Introduce them to people that may have something in common. Maybe they are in the same life stage or share a hobby.

4. Remember, when you see a stranger, you’re looking at Jesus!

Blessings,

Franklin