2026 Pentecost Devotions II
Thursday, August 27
Romans 12:9-21
9 Let love be genuine; hate what is evil; hold fast to what is good; 10 love one another with mutual affection; outdo one another in showing honor. 11 Do not lag in zeal; be ardent in spirit; serve the Lord. 12 Rejoice in hope; be patient in affliction; persevere in prayer. 13 Contribute to the needs of the saints; pursue hospitality to strangers.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse them. 15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; weep with those who weep. 16 Live in harmony with one another; do not be arrogant, but associate with the lowly; do not claim to be wiser than you are. 17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. 18 If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. 19 Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine; I will repay, says the Lord.” 20 Instead, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink, for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” 21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.
“… pursue hospitality to strangers …”
The headline on my Ohio news feed read: “ICE Arrests Increase in July”. While the issue of illegal immigration in the United States is a touchy one for many, the Scriptures are crystal clear about the treatment of strangers and aliens. Paul states it clearly here. The Old Testament makes it even more plain by reminding the Israelites that they were once strangers in a foreign land. Hospitality and caring concern for those who are aliens in a foreign land are biblical principles. Welcoming the stranger is integral to the Church’s mission and ministry.
Certainly, there need to be laws regulating those coming into the country illegally. However, such laws should first and foremost follow the biblical directives for treatment of such strangers. Caring concern serves as the basis of any response. After all, it was Jesus who said, “When I was a stranger, you welcomed me.”
Today, people of good will seek to remind us of these biblical principles of welcome. Churches continue to offer support and care to those who are seeking to assimilate into society. Other organizations work to provide hope and help to the strangers in their midst. All are following what Paul proclaims is the way of genuine love – pursuing hospitality to strangers.
Prayer: Lord, we were all once alienated to You through sin. Thankfully, You welcomed us, cared for us, forgave us, and adopted us as Your children. Teach me the ways of hospitality toward those who are strangers and aliens in our land. Amen.