My husband and I moved into a new house a few summers back—well, a new house to us, at least. In fact, it is a very old house, full of drafty windows and narrow stairs, but all those quirks were glossed over with stainless steel appliances, fresh paint, and marble countertops. For us, part of the appeal was extra space to share, but we had no idea how quickly the need would arise.
We hadn’t finished unpacking when we learned that a missionary family from Spain needed a place to live for a month. Not knowing who they were or how much English they spoke, we agreed, then hurried to set up a bed and buy some extra towels for the guest bathroom.
The couple arrived a few days later with their 18-month-old son, who had bright blonde hair and a gap-toothed grin. I had only a few semesters of high school Spanish under my belt, but after just a few days, through smiles and hugs and the heavy use of words like gracias, Rebecca and I had become fast friends. We communicated with a mix of Spanglish and charades, soon sharing some of our deepest heartaches and joys, even though we only had the shared vocabulary of kindergarteners. It’s amazing the connection God can forge between strangers.
I love that we serve a God who shows no favoritism (Romans 2:11). In a society where women were ostracized, Jesus frequently addressed women directly, talking to them about their most intimate fears and sins. He had no concern for His own reputation. He saw no difference between rich and poor, able-bodied and differently-abled. Jesus made room for everyone. This makes me wonder, “Is it possible that there is no such thing as a stranger? Is it possible that all the boundaries we draw are invisible?
It was fun and exciting to welcome a family from Spain into our home. But as I read these verses of Scripture, I’m struck by how much harder it is for me to welcome in those “close” strangers who are a regular part of my life. The sister-in-law who doesn’t quite fit in. The mother who doesn’t live up to my needs or expectations. Sometimes emotional boundary lines are harder to cross than oceans. Yet God is with us as we welcome those strangers too. He blesses our feeble efforts. He is with us when our patience wears out. He repairs the damage of lost years, and He quiets us with His love.
As Christians, it can be easy to isolate ourselves from the world. But God has shown us that this world is not our home. We, too, are foreigners in a strange land, living here only for a short while before passing on to our permanent address with the Lord.
Of all people, we can afford to open our homes to the stranger, the ostracized, and the forgotten. “For our momentary light affliction is producing for us an absolutely incomparable eternal weight of glory” (2Corinthians 4:17).
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111 thoughts on "Making Room for the Stranger"
Amen this word touches me
I pray that God would open the eyes of my heart everyday to those in need around me.
As I read the devotional – it made me think of our exchange students family. Polina is from Ukraine. She was with us during Covid Came back after the war started. Her parents are coming for Christmas. It’s a little nerve wracking as we don’t speak the same language.
Then There is my son. I love him with all of my heart but our relationship is difficult at the moment. This was a great reminder to be present for the emotionally difficult
Amen
Amen amen!!
He repairs the damage of lost years, and He quiets us with His love.
Yes this goes along with Joel 2:25-27
“I will RESTORE to you the years that the swarming locust has eaten ….”
He is faithful and true to do that for us after we have confessed our sins and He will bless us over and above anything we deserve.
He is a wonderful and loving God !
Todays reflection questions are:
What does scripture say about making room for strangers?
Leave some crops behind for those in need and give them a place to stay. I couldn’t understand the rest.
Why does scripture urge us to welcome strangers and foreigners?
Think of refugees, strangers or immigrants that are new to your area or culture. How will you make room for them in your life?
I will have a guest room in my house if I can afford it.
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In the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) G-d reminded the Israelites many times to welcome the strangers because once they had been the “foreigners” in Egypt”. I am worried about the people who clean the building where I work. I know they don’t have papers. One is a single mother of nine year old twins. She is not a rapist or drug dealer. She works hard cleaning homes and offices to feed and clothe her twin girls. I wonder about all these people who are for these mass deportation. Have they ever wondered what life would be like if they had not born on this side of the border with lights, running water, and bathrooms. It costs a lot of money and takes a lot of time to “do it the right way”. A lot of people want to feed their kids and escape 3rd world property. I have seen that kind of poverty in developing nations.
It seems the Torah has it right on how people should be treating each other. These are human beings and not all of them are rapists and murderers.
I’m so grateful for another sister sharing these concerns. How do we as Christians love the foreigners and strangers among us as their world becomes infinitely more difficult?
If we learn to walk in each other’s shoes ❤️
I am sympathetic to both sides. I live in Arizona and bought my home 14 yrs ago. My first landscaper was definitely illegal and recommended by my realtor after I bought my house. He went back to Mexico and his cousin took over, a nice Mexican family, very reliable and now the son is a teenager helping his Dad. Wife Rosa answers all my texts promptly and I don’t know if they are legal. They appreciate my business and are hard workers. Sometimes I think I should hire a licensed and bonded landscaper because I do believe in following the law but I want to help this family. On the other hand, I pray for the border every day and the evil things happening with the drug cartels, the missing children, the rapes and murders and our border agents committing suicide. Things are a mess and I pray for wisdom for all.
Amen, Tanya & Ash
So many good comments today. After having been in an abusive relationship, I tend to steer clear of homeless that seem unstable. But it was helpful to see we can reach out to those we know, but don’t really have a relationship with.
In the Hebrew Scriptures (Old Testament) G-d reminded the Israelites many times to welcome the strangers because once they had been the “foreigners” in Egypt”. I am worried about the people who clean the building where I work. I know they don’t have papers. One is a single mother of nine year old twins. She is not a rapist or drug dealer. She works hard cleaning homes and offices to feed and clothe her twin girls. I wonder about all these people who are for these mass deportation. Have they ever wondered what life would be like if they had not born on this side of the border with lights, running water, and bathrooms. It costs a lot of money and takes a lot of time to “do it the right way”. A lot of people want to feed their kids and escape 3rd world property. I have seen that kind of poverty in developing nations.
It seems the Torah has it right on how people should be treating each other. These are human beings and not all of them are rapists and murderers.
This was not suppose to be a reply but a stand alone.
@Mia Faith
I too read this and thought of when I had been a stranger but then I thought of the “close” strangers. My estranged sister who with just last week’s scripture readings I realized was my enemy/betrayer/prodigal son (I’m the self righteous brother I realize) is the stranger I need to try and bridge the gap with. But not sure how. We don’t grow up together. I know nothing about her. And in all honesty I don’t miss her as a sister because I never had her as a sister but I have resentment in my heart for her because of how she has treated family members that I do have a relationship with. It’s hard. And I’m struggling
Alexis Boucher-Kneller-Praying for you as you navigate the hard things!!
As our incoming government plans mass deportations, I pray for those who are considered strangers in our land. I am so afraid for what is to come.
This is a hard topic. I tend to think of those that have been hurt by some migrants. We need to vet those coming into our country. We need to do this in a very thought out way. Not just letting people pour in.
Thank you for your comment- this has been on my heart this whole study…mass deportations certainly don’t seem to fit what we are reading in the scriptures. I am praying along with you.
We are not all called to leave our homeland to be missionaries in a strange country but when I read this I was struck by how God is bringing the mission field to us. I often feel threatened by all the different nationalities of people who have moved into my community, sometimes it feels like I’m in the minority, but what an incredible opportunity He has given us to minister to the stranger/ alien in our midst. Lord, open my eyes to see these strangers like you see them and love them as you do.
This is such a wise point i have never even thought of! Thank you for your comment!
RHONDA, my husband reined me in on approaching homeless or giving money when he is not with me. At first. I felt he was wrong but my adult daughter reminded me that since God placed him as the head in our marriage, I should respect him. Well, now if I see someone, and feel prompted by the Holy Spirit to help, I will point them out to him and let him decide. More often than not, we agree!
I also noticed how Boaz set aside sheaves for Ruth. This just reminded me to not be so busy taking care of what I want and to set aside something for those I encounter. Saving to give away! Whether it is a church outreach, supporting missionaries or just carrying cash so you can help someone in need.
Also, my mom was like so many of you, who would open her home up for people to stay or for dinner after they visited our church! She always said,”we can always put another tater in the pot!”
Love all of your comments! What blessings you are!
Praying for all of you!
I was just having this conversation with a friend. Her husband goes out to minister to the homeless. She wanted to go with and quickly realized she wasn’t equipped. A lot of times there are mental health and addiction issues.
Also, while I share food and water with the homeless I see and food pantries, maybe also decluttering and giving the decluttered items to charity is similar to modern day gleaning? Anyway I hope so.
It is interesting that the woman at the will did not get defensive and either argue with Jesus about her relationships, nor did she run off ashamed or angry. What an amazing mental strength she must have had.
This is who I want to be
I read this and think about times when I myself have been the stranger in need of love, tenderness, forgiveness, inclusion, and so on. My mother in law show me such love when I joined their family as the pregnant 16 year old who just married their 18 year old son. The whole family showed me grave and mercy all the years of our marriage (451/2 years) and still do after his passing in March. It’s easier to welcome the stranger when you’ve been one yourself. Other times are when we moved and were welcomed in the churches and communities. So many examples.
It’s easier to welcome the stranger when you have been one yourself. So true!
Wow, that’s so beautiful. And you, pregnant at 16 taking responsibility! What a testimony to share! Still keeping you in our prayers for these “firsts” big holiday’s without your love.
Thank you, Rhonda J.
Beautiful Mia!
Such a good reminder . To make sure love is our first response. Every time
“We, too are foreigners in a strange land, living here for a short while before passing on to our permanent address with the Lord.” Right away it lead me back to a song the song: “Not of This World,” by Petra (1980’s) which I listened to when I first got saved. I really got go, and wish I had MORE time, but that’s what came to mind. Did read some of the comments and I am a lot like Rhonda J (no wonder we’re friends here haha). I had to be careful of not to be TOO friendly. Sad, I know. BUT GOD…. I have SO much thoughts, but I ran out of time (was so tired and I get up at 4:30). I love you all SO much!
❤️
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Loved today’s reading and all of your comments!
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“Close” strangers. I had never thought of that before, Claire. Thank you for that…
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The woman at the well… “I who speak to you am He.” Almost gave me goosebumps as big as when I read of Jesus appearing to Mary, post resurrection in John. ❤️ That has always been and will always be my fave resurrection account.
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It also was good, Claire, to remember that we too are strangers in this world. I AM but a stranger here. Heaven is my home. (That will be playing on repeat in my head all day today.)
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Aside from what I got from the devotion today, I was surprised that I never noticed the mention of Jacob’s well in the story of the Samaritan woman. So I researched more and love this commentary:
Jacob’s well is mentioned in the story of the Samaritan woman to provide both historical and theological context that deepens the meaning of the encounter between Jesus and the woman.
1. Historical Significance
– The well is tied to Jacob, one of the patriarchs of Israel, who gave the land to his son Joseph (Genesis 33:18-20; Joshua 24:32). By mentioning Jacob’s well, the story roots itself in the shared heritage of Jews and Samaritans.
– For the Samaritan woman, the well symbolizes her people’s ancestral connection to Jacob, emphasizing the tension between Jews and Samaritans over their respective claims to spiritual lineage and worship practices.
2. Geographical Significance
– Jacob’s well is located in Sychar, a Samaritan town, emphasizing the boundary-crossing nature of Jesus’ mission. By traveling through Samaria, Jesus deliberately enters territory considered impure by many Jews of His time, highlighting His inclusive message.
3. Theological Symbolism
– Water as a metaphor: The well serves as a backdrop for Jesus’ teaching about “living water” (John 4:10-14). While the woman initially thinks of the physical water from Jacob’s well, Jesus shifts the conversation to spiritual sustenance—offering her eternal life through the “living water” that He provides.
– Fulfillment of promises: The mention of Jacob connects the story to God’s covenant promises to Israel, which Jesus fulfills as the Messiah. The living water symbolizes Jesus’ ability to satisfy the deepest spiritual thirst, surpassing the physical sustenance the well provides.
4. Breaking Barriers
– The well becomes a meeting point that transcends cultural, gender, and religious barriers. Jesus, a Jewish man, speaks to a Samaritan woman—an act considered radical. The shared use of Jacob’s well subtly underscores a shared humanity and spiritual need that transcends divisions.
By mentioning Jacob’s well, John’s Gospel connects the Old Testament heritage to the new life Jesus offers, emphasizing that He is the source of true life, not just for Jews but for all people.
Excellent references Maria thank you for anthem here ❤️
Thank you Maria! ❤️
Love this!
Forgive me for my different take on this reading—because I have always been the super friendly girl, with a big heart and wanting to “help” everyone. Whether out of growing up a Christian or just my extrovert personality. But my husband is a protector and has reeled me in over the years saying that I can’t just be so unguarded, and now after 20 years of watching shows such as SVU, 20/20, and all those I have become tainted that there are crazy people out there!! Even going to homeless where I want to talk with everyone and love them, we have to have guidelines for our safety. I would bring them all home to “help” them, but we have to be aware that it’s not that simple always. Stopping to help a homeless guy on the street isn’t always a smart idea for a lady my husband insists. I wish we didn’t have to think this way, but even a friendly smile in the store I don’t do as much in the way I used to. But with that said and out of the way—There are smart ways to help- even if it is donating to the organization that is established to help. We can certainly help through our churches in many ways. And we can let the Holy Spirit prompt and guide us.
I have always loved the story of Naomi, Ruth and Boaz. Helping foreigners and aliens. Again, with parameters of safety. We would always protect our families and countrymen in the process. Everything has order, but we give and have sympathy, and empathy for our fellow humans in need.There is so much work to do in our own cities and towns. We will go feed the homeless Friday a big Thanksgiving feast, but I will be set up to take prayer requests and feed them with living water! Food feeds our hungry bodies, but Jesus is what they need for hope and eternal life.
My husband is a retired state trooper. He reels me in too, sometimes.
Praise God for the “protector” that He has made in our husbands! ❤️
Smiling as I read your comment Rhonda as my husband has had to “reel” me in too,especially when a young woman I was helping stole the
diamond watch he gave me as a wedding gift!
Yet,while employing
caution,it’s still my joy to get involved and help. The joy of
making room far surpasses any losses I have sustained.
Amen. Open my eyes and heart so that I open my home Lord. In Jesus name. Amen
Amen! ❤️
Welcoming “close strangers” — now, there is something I could definitely be better at. I’m being transparent when I say this because I tend to stay away from my family’s (and other close people) drama, and people who have hurt me. I don’t cut them from my life, but I tend to keep them at arms length. It is not always easy to welcome close strangers because of emotional baggage, unmet expectations, and honestly— the vulnerability required to engage with them. I also think familiarity can highlight flaws or differences, making it harder to extend grace. And this is an area that I pray hard about, especially when the drama they have is about stuff you’ve warned them about and they disregard it. I think this is a type of deeper calling to hospitality that requires humility and unconditional love. And honestly, I am not sure if I’m there. Phew— the places this study is making me go is convicting and uncomfortable, but also necessary.
Yes, I agree. Something I haven’t really realized until this devotional. And your comment makes me ponder even further! I guess we are all guilty of this! So good right here at Thanksgiving too with family gatherings! We are on our own through the last few years. I miss those family gatherings. :/
Maria, I completely agree – families are the hardest!
Maria – I agree totally. Thank you for expressing exactly how I feel.
Thank you for sharing this it really resonates with me and deepens my thoughts from this study. I definitely don’t think I am there but God is patient with us as we eep trying and striving towards this kind of hospitality. I need to remember to not live in the shame of what I have not done or should have done but to make room next time.
Dear Maria … when you wrote this below …my heart skipped a beat… it touched my heart in its sore places… especially preparing for Thanksgiving Day.
Thank you, my sister for speaking truth.
“It is not always easy to welcome close strangers because of emotional baggage, unmet expectations, and honestly— the vulnerability required to engage with them. I also think familiarity can highlight flaws or differences, making it harder to extend grace.”
As I read this morning, my house is full of my 4 children, their spouses and grandchildren. We are full to the brim with 11. Our niece who lives in another city asked to stay with us as they were coming to our city for some medical procedures for their daughter with Down Syndrome. At first I wanted to say no, we have no more beds or rooms to put anyone but God led us to welcome them regardless. While they are family, we don’t see them often. My husband and I slept on our couches and gave the 4 of them our room. I don’t say this to get a pat on the back but to say we were blessed to have them here and it turned out to be a,great stress reliever during a stressful time for them to be with us and their cousins. Opening your home and your life to others is what we do for Jesus. He will provide if we are faithful.
Bless your heart for opening your home, even when you thought it was full! ❤️
Oh my goodness, I had to pour myself an extra cup of coffee while studying today’s reading. I have always felt so drawn to the story of the Samaritan woman at the well, but today three different things stood out to me.
1. Typically, we’ve been taught how Jews and Samaritans would not associate with one another, even to the point that the Jews would often take a longer route to cross the Jordan in order to avoid even walking through Samaria. Jesus took the direct path to get to where he ultimately needed to be, Galilee. How many times, in my own stubbornness and hard-heartedness, do I overcomplicate the path to avoid what makes me uncomfortable? How many times has my own prejudices or preconceived notions led me so far out of the way from the direct path God had placed before me? Proverbs 3:5-6 says, “Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
2. John 4:6 says “Jesus, wearied from his journey, was sitting by the well…” So often, I lose sight of the fact that Jesus, while being fully God, was also fully man, which means he had the full emotional and physical range that we do. Jesus was tired! Jesus was tired, BUT He still chose His ministry, and He still chose people first.
3. John 4:8 tells us that the disciples had gone to the city to buy food, leaving Jesus alone by the well. Being a natural introvert with learned extrovert behaviors (thank you, PK and MK life!), I read this verse and immediately felt the compassion of Jesus. Jesus chooses to orchestrate the meeting of the woman at the well in a private situation. Knowing the shame the woman has already struggled with because of relational choices, Jesus creates a setting for a one on one conversation in which he reveals the greatest news we have yet to hear—“I who speak to you am He” (v.26). Jesus is aware of the social and, more importantly, the emotional implications of his encounters. He cares for each person’s heart and soul in every conversation—even the hard ones.
As a side note, I also went back one chapter to John 3, where Jesus meets Nicodemus, a Pharisee and highly regarded leader of the Jews. Nicodemus knows Jesus is acting under the will of God, but he simply cannot fathom a world in which Jesus could really be the Messiah they had been praying for. You can feel the internal struggle Nicodemus is fighting between the logical and tradition and the beautiful and unexplained gospel that is playing out before him. Jesus tells Nicodemus,“Truly, truly, I say to you, unless one is born of water and the Spirit, he cannot enter the kingdom of God” John 3:5. Flip the page, and we see Jesus share that same message of living water, just spoken about with a mighty religious leader, with an outcast woman at a well in a place He was never supposed to be by traditional societal standards…and the world is forever changed. Wow, what a God we serve!
Same, Abby… especially your first point.
Thank you for sharing – great points! I’m going to go back and read some of the preceding chapters.❤️
Thanks Abby! Great insights. I had never thought of the choice to speak to her “one to one”.
❤️
“Close strangers” was such an “ouch” part… you’re right.. its easier to let a true stranger in than a “known” one..
Yes, you’re right, Angela.
So good!
Welcoming the stranger has been rather easy for me – I love having people in my home!
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Years ago my daughter asked if she could put my name on a “couch surfers” Facebook page that she was a part of. It originated from a (Christian) school she had attended. I said, “sure!”
Through that we have had so many “strangers” stay with us. Mostly of which are college age or young adults. One time we had 6 German guys sleeping all over our family room floor! We have met so, so many people, it has been such a blessing.
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There was also a time that a missionary couple needed a place to stay as they were traveling, and through another church contact reached out to us. We were going to be away at the time, but told them where to find the key and to make themselves at home. They were gone by the time our trip was over so we never even got to meet them, but were thrilled to have been able to help.
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One last story, because I could go on and on!
Years ago we got a call from a church, telling us a missionary family had broken down on the highway near us. The person who called had searched the area for a church nearby, that’s how the contact happened.
My husband was able to go get them, bring them to our home – where they stayed for number of days, connect them to a mechanic (that was a believer) who in turn, came and got their car and put a whole new engine in – at no cost to the missionaries!
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When you open your home to “strangers”, you never know what blessings await you!
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Happy Tuesday she’s – praying for you all!! ❤️
I love this!!
This is amazing Sharon. With an empty house most of the time, I love the idea of inviting in “couch surfers”. Something to pray on.
Yes, the thought just came to me that there are probably many college students that have no where to go when some dorms close for the holidays! Or if they have nothing to do. I love that all your daughter’s friends came to your house. My house used to be the house to hang at…but it wasnt that I feed them well—lol!
“Yet God is with us as we welcome those strangers too. He blesses our feeble efforts. He is with us when our patience wears out. He repairs the damage of lost years, and He quiets us with His love.”
So good. Def just screenshot this. I struggle with my own mother and emotional boundaries, after so many years of painful communication. It is hard to know how to respond to her, sometimes… I don’t always do it in love because my heart has been so hurt. But I know God is trying to help me love her… I just need patience. “He blesses our feeble efforts.”
I continue to pray for you and your family relationships Michelle. ❤️
I screenshot that same paragraph! But in regard to my prodigal son. Praying for you and asking for your prayers.
But I NEVER run out of patience! (I am TOTALLY joking, of course!)
Will all the siblings be back home for Thanksgiving? Did all the siblings move out? I remember back when you were sharing space with the sister!
I am the most introverted person ever and so for me, the idea of strangers is as scary as ever. However, God told me this morning that sin makes us all strangers, separating us from God. Even in my introvertedness, I can pray for those who are still living as strangers.
Yes! Not only the strangers, but those who can/are able to reach out to them. Power of prayer.
Who didn’t honk of Rhonda when they read the verse, “I was in prison and you visited me”? Well done good and faithful servant! I think of Jesus and how he not only loved and welcomed the most downtrodden, ostracized, and broken, but he sought them out. He went through Samaria at a time when all other Jews would choose the longer route to avoid contact with these “half breeds”. He gave time to the Samaritan woman, breaking all social, societal, and cultural norms, and ultimately lifting her out of her place of shame into one of honor. In a time when women had virtually no rights and were treated as property, Jesus treated her with dignity and respect. She was the first person he told that He was the Messiah. He was and is love in ACTION. WOW! I pray that God opens my eyes today to see those that are hurting, and more importantly, that I do not just pass by but take action, in whatever way I can.
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haha..at first I was like “honk at Rhonda!” But then I got it. Your so sweet, when I read the verse it was like in bold letters for me. It truly is the highlight of my week! Tomorrow I am going alone, all the other volunteers have Thanksgiving plans, but I really want to brighten their “tough holidays” spirits and put the focus on praising the Lord, regardless of our circumstances! It is such a gift to go and be with them at this low point where some are truly ready to make drastic changes in their lives. Some will, some will go right back to their ways. When I hit my knees to the Lord, I knew I was messing up bad on my own…yet, then I still fell right back to my own self over and over. Some of us are very hard-headed. sigh.
Ooops typo! “Think of Rhonda” lol
OK, bear with my weirdness here.
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So, thinking about the family angle, this popped in my head. I know them, so the emotional distance is because they are STRANGE-er than me in some key areas of values and worldview.
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Navigating how to love and being quick to forgive offences, while maintaining healthy boundaries, is hard work (even with the indwelling Spirit).
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I have a long way to go, and I thankful God is patient.
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Praying for your requests.
That’s it Kelly! I find I’m not hostile towards them, but am very happy to have minimal interaction. Geographical distance makes that easier than if they were local…
Need to work on that!
Yes and amen!
Yes Kelly so true. Especially the quick to forgive so there is not room for bitterness to grow. Praying for the Holy Spirit’s wisdom on how to resend have healthy boundaries. Thank you for this comment and the fellow She’s who also responded to your comment!
I hear you Kelly… and not just “relative family” … also some “church family” … and “friend family” members, too! But God! Oh how we need your wisdom, grace, loving kindness, strength… AND REMBERANCE… of all You accepted when you took me into your arms!!
Yes Carol…our church family. We tend to connect to those like ourselves! It’s funny the more you step up, the more problems develop! Maybe that’s why people are more apt to go/and leave church. But we are called to get involved and lead up. As a small group leader it’s like—whoa, maybe I DON”T want to be a leader!! But God develops you just where you need the work! My pastor assure me it is also the devil that comes against you. It is probably a combination of all.
Hey Kelly (NEO)
Another SRT sister able to speaking my thoughts.
So grateful for your words below…
“Navigating how to love and being quick to forgive offences, while maintaining healthy boundaries, is hard work (even with the indwelling Spirit).”
Lord, help my eyes and heart to be aware of strangers in need, especially those close to me. Although I told Dana below that I continued to open my arms to the close strangers/family, there is still hurt from the emotional distance.
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For those of you who prayed for June (in same long term care facility as our family member) – she gave me a card of thanks yesterday to pass along to all of you, painstakingly written and barely legible due to the effects of the stroke. “The thoughts and prayers give me courage and hope. Everyone here needs that kind of encouragement. Please tell them how much they mean to me. My sincere thanks to all of you and may God continue to bless you.” And then apologizes for her penmanship in a p.s. ❤️
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She thought y’all were in my Sunday school class, and was blown away when I explained again that it was a group of Jesus loving sister strangers from around the world.
Thank you all so much.
How sweet!
So sweet!! ❤️
Praise God – that we have had the privilege of encouraging this dear one! ❤️
That IS sweet! ❤️
Beautiful!
Please let June know how much her written note BLESSED MY HEART!
“Everyone here needs that kind of encouragement.” – She really tugged at my heart there. ❤ Thank you for carrying that encouragement to June in our behalf! ☺
Emotional strangers – possibly even family. Ouch, that was a bit convicting!
I do love the story of Ruth and Boaz. What struck me this morning was the fact that in their very first conversation, Boaz calls her ‘his daughter’. What a tender heart he had towards a stranger and a foreigner.
Father, please give us tender hearts towards all the strangers and foreigners we come in contact with – especially if they are family! Amen.
Amen and amen
Amen ❤️
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“But as I read these verses of Scripture, I’m struck by how much harder it is for me to welcome in those “close” strangers who are a regular part of my life.”
I’m not sure I have ever felt so seen and known than right now after reading your words Claire. I wouldn’t have understood them even 5 years ago before COVID, before my dad passed away, and before my remaining family cut a wound in me I’m still having trouble healing from. Before then I never felt distant or like I don’t belong to my own family so those particular words above are what would have been foreign to me. But now I understand them more than I would like and often wonder what’s wrong with me that I can’t move past this and have things be “normal” again. It’s like my heart is stuck behind a wall and try as I might it won’t budge. It’s not me. I’m the one who’s always worn my heart on my sleeve and loved big even when it’s hardest. Forgiven easily when others say and do things that have hurt me because I couldn’t bear to be in conflict or waste precious time arguing. I have no problem opening my heart and caring for those around me who aren’t considered family by blood or marriage, but I do with those who are (this doesn’t apply to my husband and children of course).
I don’t understand it but I pray God shows me a way back.
Thank you Claire for making me feel like I’m not alone. I needed this.
I hear you, DANA ❤️, I see you. I’ve never fit in with my family, even less so post-Covid, and since my dad passed away during those early, very isolated days. I don’t have the deep cut that you’ve had, only what sometimes feels like countless nicks of being the one left out, or told can’t you take a joke? Regardless, I continue to forgive and open my arms to them when they are in need of something.
Since becoming a Jesus-follower, I feel the same with my family.
Dana I am so sorry for the hurt you have suffered at the hand of your family. I will be praying that God heals your heart and all your hurt – even if whoever it was that wounded you so deeply does not take ownership of it or seek forgiveness.
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I am learning (and it has taken ever so long!!) to see others through the lens of God. Our lenses are blurred, tainted by hurt, rejection, sin etc. etc. etc. But God’s lens is perfect. He loves us – all of us. He sent His son to die for the whole world. His love is so, and His desire is that we love like Him – even those who have hurt us. And not just to love them, but to show through our actions that we love them. Only by the grace of God are we able.
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May God strengthen your heart, bring you comfort and healing. ❤️
❤️ so good Sharon Jersey Girl
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❤️ love this!
Dana, prayers and hugs for you. With family, the hurt is deeper. They are the ones who are supposed to love us unconditionally and yet…
My first thought as I read the title was, we are all a stranger to someone! Until we get to know them and then we call them (most, most of the time,) friend.
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The dictionary describes a stranger as .. a person one does not know, or with whom one is not familiar.
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I have a cushion in plain sight, as you walk into my living room that says .. Mi casa su casa..
I like the fact that it is often commented on and asked for a translation.. to which I respond..My house is your house. In other words, make yourself at home. Take your shoes off and put your feet up. Lie down.. make yourself comfortable..
My home is precious to me, but not so I wouldn’t share it.. my door, if it were possible, would always be open.. my ear attentive, my heart open wide.. and my arms ready to welcome, comfort, hold..
I have, over the years been a stranger to many, some now are friends, and some I have never seen again.. but that kindness and feeling of belonging and hope, even for a moment, has me wanting to make room for all who come my way..
This world is,for sure, not my home, but while I’m here, let me pay forward, what I have received in kindness, love, grace, hope.. there is not a price to that..
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BUT GOD..
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The Matthew 25:35-36 came to mind..
When I was hungry you gave me something to eat; I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink; I was a stranger and you took me in; I was naked and you clothed me; I was sick and you took care of me; I was in prison and you visited me.'(Rhonda, you came to mind).
This verse here makes me think that we do not always have to open our homes to people, if we can, amazing, but what we do have to do is open our hearts, giving our precious time, sharing a meal, offering a hot drink, and spending time, 5, 10 15, minutes, even a moment, but being fully present makes a difference to one who is alone.
We all have a story, and oftentimes we do not plan to be on the journey we are on, maybe life choices, or circumstances, but where we are at, is not necessarily the dream, infact I’m certain, that would not have been the dream, or end goal!
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BUT GOD..
So very thankful for those moments in this my life that have shaped me to be who I am. So absolutely NOT perfect, but by grace, I can reach out a hand, or two to comfort, or help a fallen ‘sister or brother’ in need.
I can share the love of God in me with others.
I can quench their thirst, with His Word.
I can welcome a stranger, so they are no longer strangers.
I can cover them in prayer, so they are now covered.
I can be there holding a hand, caring. And I can support them in the ‘prison’ of life circumstances by walking alongside..
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Thank you Father God for your kindness to me, for the goodness and grace that has followed me thus far, for your mercy that has never failed me, for your love that surrounds me, daily. Thank you Father God.
Lord, may I pay these gifts forward to the ‘stranger’ I meet, and in turn, that they do the same..
What a wonderful world this would be..
In Jesus’s name I pray..
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AMEN.
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A bit of a waffle but hopefully reaches someone..
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Happy Tuesday beloveds. Be blessed ..
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Much love.
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Tina ❤️