During the final session of the study of Hebrews, this phrase shaped the conversation: Let mutual love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing that some have entertained angels without knowing it(Hebrews 13:1-2, NRSV). There are two unique opportunities in this quote that religious people will miss.
We often build a safety net of rules, traditions, and walls intended to protect ourselves. From protection, we slide into judgment and exclusion. But the writer is urging us to love. No if, and, or perhaps, just mutual love. We are not being told to do this or that or exclude others; the writer encourages hospitality.
The need to judge others is a part of our brokenness. Our fear of that which is different is safe when we keep it at a distance. Hospitality must be found in our faith. The riskiness of mutual love and hospitality is that we will not be safe. We will make mistakes. Those mistakes will only destroy us when we fail to be willing to hear the cry of hope and repentance.
Forgiveness comes to us as a gift. It comes not because we followed the rules but because we were willing to repent(change). That willingness demands that we use our skills and blessings to encourage others on the journey to mutual love and hospitality. The journey into our lives invites us to be surprised and be ready to change the world.
Mutual love and hospitality: pray for the conversion of those who would harm themselves and others.
