Article March 3, 1934 Issue

The Stranger within Thy Gates

LUCIA CRISOLA WARREN

In the Hebrew law there was definite provision for the treatment of the stranger or the sojourner in Palestinian cities. This provision had special significance to the Israelites because they were once strangers in Egypt and were succored there. The law distinguished between those sojourners, non-Israelites, who lived peaceably in the land, neighbors in the true sense, and those who, at heart, were enemies. With the coming of Christianity courtesy and love in relation to the stranger took a step forward. A deeper, more metaphysical relationship was reached, as is illustrated in Paul's assurance to the Ephesians, who were, according to the Jews, not of the household of faith: "Now therefore ye are no more strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints, and of the household of God."

Paul's welcome into "the household of God" has deep significance to Christian Scientists, for Christian Science teaches true hospitality, the hospitality which kindly and generously serves the individual needs of guests, acquaintances, and strangers both in the home and in the church; the hospitality that sees the greatest need of brother or stranger, and ministers to it. Every Christian Science practitioner, every nurse, every member of a branch church committee, whether literature distribution, circulation, or advertising; every Sunday school worker; every officer of the church, indeed, every member of it, has opportunities of offering to others the fruits which Christ Jesus said were the practical result of his spiritual teaching.

Christ's follower cannot but be hospitable to all good. He cannot but exclude all error as nothing, for he reflects and welcomes all that is of God. The discernment that he rightly inherits good teaches him to cast not his pearls before the unworthy or unready. Necessarily, he first entertains hospitality mentally and then gives it expression in deeds of protection to the newcomer, gently leading him in the path of righteousness.

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