Often today I have remembered words spoken by my paternal grandmother. It was my grandmother who gave me two abiding principles for living.

She said; “be careful of how you entertain strangers, for some have entertained angels unawares.” She also told me; “never lie or a cheat your family. Always make sure and go beyond the call when dealing with family. If you must defraud anyone, do it to a stranger. But then you already know what GOD said about mistreating strangers!”

I thought about her today because when thinking of my immediate family, or what family means today; I am reminded that what she advised was living that is ordered by the Word of GOD. (Hebrews 13: verse 2. And 1 Timothy 5: verses 1-8.)

In a day where being family means you are often regulated to the position of an ATM machine. Perpetually doomed to prove your love by providing financial and emotional support for those who have a false idea of love, fidelity, loyalty, and dependability. Children raised that never grow beyond the prodigal son mentality. “Give me my inheritance now!” “Never lie or cheat your family. Always make sure and go beyond the call when dealing with family.”

In a society with a perpetual disconnect from the true brotherhood of humanity. How you are treated, talked to, even avoided is your problem. Invisible lines are drawn in the sand. “Come this far and no farther!” Striving for unreasonable and unattainable markers to decide if someone is worthy of kindness. “Be careful of how you entertain strangers, for some have entertained angels unawares.”

Treat others as you would want to be treated. React towards others as you would want to be reacted to. (Luke 6:31 and Luke 6:32-42.) Thank you, Lord, for my grandmother. What a timely word!