Why is it important to embrace love for strangers in the Christian faith?

Loving strangers is an integral aspect of the Christian faith, as it mirrors the love that Christ has shown us. In Luke 14:13-15, Jesus teaches that we should invite the poor and the marginalized, emphasizing that true hospitality extends beyond comfort and familiarity. This love exemplifies God's redemptive work in our lives when we recognize that we were once strangers to His grace. Understanding our past as separated from God helps us extend that same grace to others, creating an inclusive community that reflects the essence of the gospel. Furthermore, as pastors and believers embody this love, they invite others into the fellowship of believers, thus expanding the church's witness to the world.