I venture to say we are in a kindness crisis.

We’ve strayed from the very words of Jesus in Matthew 25. “I was a stranger and you welcomed me in.”

We’ve somehow put a price tag on kindness. It has to be a name brand - someone recognizable. A buy one get one free (BOGO) - you do for me and I’ll do for you. Kindness will always and forever be free. If it comes with a price tag, it goes by another name.

I shared with you about talking to Charleston and talking to God about the man in the intersection. It was in talking to a stranger at the chai bar that I met Israel. Remember him in the book? Ray was a stranger until I said hello. I got to pray with Shannon at the post office because she wasn’t just a nameless postal worker. She was a worried niece for her aunt out in the stormy Caribbean.

This is welcoming strangers -when it goes beyond the surface. Beyond the name. When we meet a need. When we show we care.

My friend, Bridget, has learned to approach strangers in need. They are waking up on the sidewalk on her way to work. She introduces herself. She asks if she can give them money for a warm cup of coffee or tea. Before she makes this exchange, she tells them she wants to pray for them. She knows that Jesus has the power to help beyond the small bills for something warm. At the word amen, she makes good on her promise to this once stranger. She gives herself a budget for this.

Here’s how Bridget does it:

• I always ask them their name.

• Get a feel for their circumstance without judgement. We all have a story.

• I ask if I can put my hand on their arm and pray for them. Not in a condescending way - I ask the Lord to keep my motives sincere.

• I always let them know that God loves them and can help them with their circumstance. I love quoting Ephesians 3:20-21 because I know God IS able if only we can believe: Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

• I keep it short though so I don’t lose their attention.

1. Do something with who you do see.

2. Offer what you have for you can’t offer anything more.

Bridget offers a few small bills and a prayer.

Mattie from Charleston’s story offered a basket.

This week I offered our home to evacuees, money for a train ride, and a welcome at the school placement center.

You can offer a prayer. A meal. A cup of coffee. A conversation.

With every single welcome, God takes up more space in your life.

He makes Himself more at home in you as you make others feel at home with you.

What if you had folks coming over for dinner and you talked at them from the front door but never invited them in? No! When people come over to your house, you open the door and let them in. But often, you use your words and more gestures to let them know you’re glad they came and that they are welcome inside. Same with strangers. We use our words AND we open up the door. If you’re still at “we use our words,” let me encourage you to read the previous post about talking to strangers.

I love what the writer of Hebrews reminds us, “Don’t forget those who are suffering, but imagine that you are there with them.” (Hebrews 13:3 CEV)

I think what Jesus teaches here involves coming close. He knows we’ll get more of Him when we give more of us. We’re not called to go be like anybody else but Jesus. And He gives us many examples of how people obeyed this principle of welcoming in strangers.

• The boy shared his lunch with strangers.

• Jesus invited the criminal on the cross into paradise with Him.

• The innkeeper loaned the stable to Mary and Joseph.

• Lydia gave Paul a place to meet for a church.

• The Good Samaritan taught us to generously care for the hurting.

• Jesus engaged with the woman at the well.

I used to carry with me one regret about talking to a stranger and not welcoming him in. (I say ‘used to’ because God has redeemed it for me.) That’s Mister Sanchez. I got brave and talked to him a few times. I dreamed of throwing him a party! A simple one with our neighbors and a dinner at a long table in our driveway with balloons. Lots of balloons. That never happened. Mister Sanchez passed away one summer while we were away on vacation. In His kindness, God continues to paint this beautiful picture. He’s gotten to throw Mister Sanchez a party in my place and He keeps giving me more people to welcome and celebrate here on earth. (read his story in Meet the Neighbors chapter of Love Where You Live)

These two posts are written with love and time to inspire you to look beyond yourself and give kindness in word and deed. Jesus accomplished much in his years on earth - many encounters being with outsiders, neglected, marginalized people who were hungry and thirsty for kindness. Let’s end the kindness crisis where we live. I’m headed out to do the same. In Jesus’ Name.

Let’s invite others into what we’re learning. Scroll down and click a social media icon and share this post.

Then click the heart at the end to say, yes, with every single welcome, God takes up more space in my life.

Next week: Add this to your Thanksgiving 

Coming soon: Step by step guide to Cookies and Cocoa