The Hebrew author writes, “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares” (Heb. 13:2). Obviously, the ending of the verse is a reference to the events in the life of Abraham in Genesis 18-19, where he did entertain angels without knowing. The implication is clear that there are angels still among us and that we may also be entertaining angels today without knowing. However, this shouldn’t be our motivation and I don’t think that is the main point of the verse. Instead, I believe that we are called to show hospitality to everyone as if they were angel. If we knew that someone were an angel, we would immediately have time for that person and would be willing to help him/her out in anyway that we could. However, assuming that someone isn’t an angel, we immediately are too busy and are unwilling to help out that person. Is this right? Clearly not, because we are to love our neighbor as ourselves (Matt. 22:39). The next time that you see someone in need, treat him/her as you would an angel and help that person to the best of your ability.
