The native people showed us unusual kindness, for they kindled a fire and welcomed us all, because it had begun to rain and was cold.
- Acts 28:2
Paul, being shipwrecked, washes up on the island of Malta, where he experiences an "unusual kindness."
Luke's word for "native people" is barbaroi, from which we derive our English barbarian.
It's both poetic and ironic; Paul finds himself surrounded by hospitable barbarians. Paul's life was defined by persecution and rejection, often from those closest to him. Yet, he finds kindness on a strange island full of strange people— barbarians.
If barbarians can understand the importance of a warm welcome and warm fire, why can't we?
Too often, we believers are tearing each other apart.
We sit in judgment of the world and each other.
We envy one another's gifts and covet one another's ministry; we utterly fail to love our brothers and sisters in Christ.
The Bible is full of lessons.
Even the barbarians in God's Word have lessons to teach us; a warm welcome and a warm fire go a long way.
Your prayer today, "Lord, give me a barbarian spirit, help me be more hospitable."
Press on,
Pastor Chris
