Topical Bible: Love to Man: should be Exhibited, Toward: Strangers

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The concept of love toward strangers is deeply rooted in the biblical narrative, emphasizing the call for believers to extend kindness, hospitality, and compassion beyond their immediate circles. This love is not merely an emotional sentiment but a tangible expression of God's love through actions and attitudes.

Biblical Mandate for Loving Strangers

The Bible consistently instructs believers to show love and kindness to strangers, reflecting God's own character and commands. In the Old Testament, the Israelites were reminded of their own history as strangers in Egypt, which served as a basis for their treatment of foreigners. Leviticus 19:34 states, "You must treat the foreigner living among you as native-born and love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God."

This command underscores the principle that love for strangers is an extension of the love one has for oneself, rooted in the recognition of shared humanity and the memory of God's deliverance.

New Testament Teachings

The New Testament continues this theme, with Jesus Himself exemplifying and teaching love for strangers. In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus illustrates that love transcends ethnic and social boundaries, calling His followers to show mercy and compassion to all, regardless of their background.

The author of Hebrews reiterates this call in Hebrews 13:2 : "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." This passage highlights the spiritual significance and potential divine encounters that come from loving strangers.

Practical Expressions of Love

The early church modeled this love through acts of hospitality and care for those in need. In Romans 12:13 , Paul exhorts believers to "Share with the saints who are in need. Practice hospitality." This directive encourages Christians to open their homes and hearts, providing for the physical and emotional needs of others.

Furthermore, the apostle John emphasizes that love must be demonstrated through actions, not just words. In 1 John 3:18 , he writes, "Little children, let us love not in word and speech, but in action and truth." This call to action challenges believers to actively seek opportunities to serve and support strangers in their communities.

Theological Implications

Loving strangers is a reflection of God's inclusive love and His desire for all people to experience His grace. It serves as a witness to the transformative power of the Gospel, breaking down barriers and fostering unity among diverse groups. By loving strangers, believers participate in God's redemptive work, embodying the love of Christ in a broken world.

In summary, the biblical call to love strangers is a profound expression of God's love, requiring believers to extend grace, hospitality, and compassion to all, reflecting the heart of the Gospel and the character of God.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Leviticus 19:34
But the stranger that dwells with you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Deuteronomy 10:19
Love you therefore the stranger: for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Work of Grace a Unit.
... they contain as in a germ, yet it should not be ... Hence in the constraining desire
of divine love for the individual ... But as "no man cometh to the Father but by Me ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/ii the work of grace.htm

Robert Hall -- Marks of Love to God
... First, it should be accompanied with deep humiliation. ... in token of an alliance
established between God and man. ... will make you a partaker of His love, the Son ...
/.../kleiser/the worlds great sermons volume 3/robert hall marks of.htm

Christian Sympathy
... of compassion from him, how dwelleth the love of God ... for a week, I am afraid we should
begin to ... some unrighteous act to take away another man's property sooner ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 8 1863/christian sympathy.htm

Covenanting a Privilege of Believers.
... and that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth ... I drawn
thee."[659] "I drew them with cords of a man, with bands of love."[660] Hence ...
/.../cunningham/the ordinance of covenanting/chapter x covenanting a privilege.htm

From the Close of the General Conference in 1796, to the ...
... said, indeed, that his very countenance exhibited such marks ... the "fruit of the Spirit,
love, faith, meekness ... otherwise than that such a man should be prepared ...
/.../chapter 3 from the close.htm

V. ...
... For he has already exhibited and made manifest what Christ is ... forever, now as
then,"the law of love to God ... Thus that a man should separate from his wife and ...
/.../the epistles of st peter and st jude preached and explained/chapter i v .htm

The Parable of the Lost Sheep
... This man who had lost his sheep is filled with joy ... every lash of the scourge of justice;
his love to them ... hands and feet, and that his heart should be broken ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 30 1884/the parable of the lost.htm

Acts XI
... in his old age: "Behold, what manner of love the Father bestowed upon us, that we
should be called ... the Lord, "I have heard by many of this man, how much ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xi.htm

The Heroic Women of Early Indiana Methodism.
... months of budding promise, during which mother-love was strongly ... quit the connection
this year, I should be well ... has been duly canonized, but the man who made ...
/.../the heroic women of early indiana methodism/the heroic women of early.htm

Of the Commissioners Hellebichus Commander of the Troops, and ...
... they only, who truly by works manifest the love of wisdom ... will not be able to harm
the man who leads a ... For when sentence should have been given, they, on being ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/homily xvii of the commissioners.htm