Big Eva Exploits The Faithful To “Empathize” With The Faithless

In Hebrews 13:1, we are not merely commanded to continue in a “universal love” for all people, but in a “brotherly love” for our fellow believers. The same principle of Hebrews 13:1 is continued in Hebrews 13:2-3, and further fleshed out through practical examples. First, we are commanded to “not neglect show[ing] hospitality to strangers.” Hospitality is literally defined as the friendly and generous reception and entertainment of guests, visitors, or strangers. However, the obligation to “strangers” referenced in Hebrews 13:2 must not be understood as a blatant contradiction to what was just commanded in the prior verse, namely, “brotherly love.”

34 “The King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, 36 I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ 37 “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? 38 When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? 39 When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ 40 “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”Matthew 25:34-40 ESV

9 Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. 10 Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers. Galatians 6:9-10 ESV