Love the stranger.
The precept has numerous applications—
I. TO LITERAL STRANGERS. Persons from foreign countries, or from distant parts of our own country, settling in our midst. Why should these be treated so often as intruders, "incomers," persons to be jealously watched and suspected, instead of being taken by the hand and welcomed?
II. TO THE UNFRIENDED AND HELPLESS. To all whose hearts are lonely, and their lives destitute of the cheer given by the love and sympathy of friends. To the fatherless and the widow—strangers in a very true sense m a world where selfish interests so hugely predominate.
III. TO YOUNG MAN IS GREAT CITIES. Often lost for lack of some one to take a kindly interest in them.
IV. TO STRANGERS TURNING UP IN CHURCHES. Coldness here repels many who might otherwise be won to interest in religion, and secured for Christ. Brotherly and friendly attention, a kind word, the warm shake of a hand, the courteous offer of a pew,—how far will they often go? They are, like "good words," worth much, and cost little.
Show kindness to strangers:
1. Because they peculiarly need it. "The heart of a stranger."
2. Because God loves them. He will avenge their wrongs. He will reward kindness shown to them (Matthew 25:35).
3. We may be placed in similar circumstances. Changes in fortune (Ruth 1:19-22).—J.O.