{"id":53384,"date":"2019-09-12T11:45:56","date_gmt":"2019-09-12T08:45:56","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/?p=53384"},"modified":"2025-07-23T23:07:21","modified_gmt":"2025-07-23T20:07:21","slug":"entertaining-angels-without-knowing-it","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wingulamashahidi.org\/en\/2019\/09\/12\/entertaining-angels-without-knowing-it\/","title":{"rendered":"Entertaining Angels Without Knowing It"},"content":{"rendered":"

One of the lesser-known truths in Scripture is that <\/span>angels are not only heavenly beings, but also God\u2019s servants actively working on behalf of His people here on earth<\/strong>. According to <\/span>Hebrews 1:14<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cAre they not all ministering spirits sent out to serve for the sake of those who are to inherit salvation?\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Just as a doctor spends most of his time in a hospital because that’s where the sick are, angels\u2014though their home is in heaven\u2014spend much of their time on earth carrying out divine assignments. Their mission is to minister to the redeemed<\/strong>, to help ensure that God\u2019s purposes in the lives of believers are fulfilled.<\/p>\n

The Invisible Presence of Angels<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Most of us go about our day unaware that millions of angels<\/strong> are moving throughout the earth daily, working in obedience to God\u2019s will. Because angels are spiritual beings (Psalm 104:4; Hebrews 1:7<\/em>), they are not limited by physical form. Scripture shows that they can appear in many ways\u2014as fire, clouds, animals, or even as ordinary humans (Exodus 13:21; Numbers 22:22\u201331; Genesis 18\u201319<\/em>).<\/p>\n

This means that at some point in your life, you may have encountered an angel without even realizing it<\/strong>. That\u2019s why the Bible gives us a powerful reminder in Hebrews 13:1\u20132<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cLet brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

This is more than a moral suggestion\u2014it\u2019s a spiritual alert<\/strong>. God sometimes tests our hearts through strangers<\/strong>, giving us opportunities to serve Him indirectly.<\/p>\n

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Biblical Examples of Hospitality Toward Angels<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Abraham<\/strong> was one such example. One day, as he sat at the entrance of his tent, three men appeared. Instead of ignoring them, Abraham ran to greet them and insisted they rest and eat. Unbeknownst to him, he was entertaining two angels and the Lord Himself<\/strong> in human form (Genesis 18:1\u20138<\/em>).<\/p>\n

Lot<\/strong>, in Genesis 19:1\u20133<\/em>, also welcomed two strangers into his home in Sodom. Though they initially declined his invitation, Lot insisted\u2014and only later did he realize that they were angels sent to save his family from judgment.<\/p>\n

These stories reveal a powerful truth: Hospitality is not just kindness\u2014it can be worship.<\/strong> It’s a reflection of our reverence and sensitivity to God\u2019s presence in unexpected places.<\/p>\n

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The Call to Biblical Hospitality Today<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Hospitality isn’t limited to letting people sleep in our homes. It includes meeting the needs of strangers<\/strong>, especially when they\u2019re vulnerable. That might mean giving food, money, a listening ear, godly counsel, or even just treating them with dignity.<\/p>\n

In our modern world, love has grown cold, just as Jesus warned in Matthew 24:12<\/em>. Many have become self-centered, more focused on protecting themselves than showing compassion. But Scripture teaches that generosity and kindness are signs of a heart aligned with God\u2019s.<\/p>\n

Jesus said in Luke 6:35<\/em><\/p>\n

\u201cBut love your enemies, and do good, and lend, expecting nothing in return, and your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Sometimes we encounter people who say, \u201cI haven\u2019t eaten today,\u201d or \u201cCan you help me with transport fare?\u201d And often, though we have enough, we respond, \u201cI have nothing.\u201d But if you do have something, even a little\u2014give it<\/strong>. Not for their sake alone, but because you are giving to the Lord<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

You may be thinking: But what if they\u2019re lying?<\/em> Still, give cheerfully and let God be the judge (2 Corinthians 9:7<\/em>). You might be helping an angel<\/strong> or even Christ Himself in disguise<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

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Discernment in Giving<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Now, this doesn\u2019t mean you should give recklessly. God also calls us to be wise stewards<\/strong>. If someone asks for money to buy cigarettes, alcohol, or drugs, that\u2019s not a need\u2014it\u2019s bondage. Scripture teaches that the Holy Spirit never partners with sin<\/strong> (Ephesians 5:11<\/em>).<\/p>\n

If someone is intoxicated or clearly abusing substances, don\u2019t enable them. Instead, offer them the Gospel. As Jesus said, \u201cMan shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that comes from the mouth of God\u201d<\/em> (Matthew 4:4<\/em>).<\/p>\n

But in most cases, those asking are genuinely in need. And remember\u2014you may have once been in that position too<\/strong>. Maybe you needed help\u2014not with food, but with rent, tuition, or emotional support. Let that memory stir compassion in you.<\/p>\n

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A Picture of Judgment and Reward<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Jesus paints a clear picture of final judgment in Matthew 25:31\u201346.<\/em>\u00a0When He returns, He will divide humanity as a shepherd separates sheep from goats. Then He will say to the righteous:<\/p>\n

\u201cCome, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you\u2026 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink…\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Surprised, the righteous will ask, \u201cLord, when did we do these things?\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n

And Jesus will respond:<\/p>\n

\u201cTruly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.\u201d (Matthew 25:40<\/em>)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

But to the others, He will say:<\/p>\n

\u201cDepart from me\u2026 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink\u2026\u201d (Matthew 25:41\u201343<\/em>)<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Jesus teaches that our compassion\u2014or lack of it\u2014is ultimately directed toward Him. He identifies so personally with the needy<\/strong> that to reject them is to reject Him.<\/p>\n

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Final Encouragement<\/strong><\/h3>\n

So, next time you see someone in need, pause. Ask the Holy Spirit to guide your response. Maybe that person isn\u2019t just another face\u2014they might be an angel\u2026 or even a divine opportunity<\/strong> sent from God.<\/p>\n

Let\u2019s not miss out on heavenly rewards because of earthly indifference. Let us live with open hearts, open hands, and open homes.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo not grow weary of doing good, for in due season we will reap, if we do not give up.\u201d \u2014 Galatians 6:9<\/em><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

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May the Lord bless you as you serve others in love, discernment, and faithfulness.<\/strong><\/p>\n