Daily Devotionals

Don't forget to be friendly to outsiders; for in so doing, some people, without knowing it, have entertained angels (Hebrews 13:2).

What was the sin of Sodom? Although the city is most commonly associated with sins of sexual perversion, it was judged for its lack of hospitality toward strangers. The two angels tested Lot's hospitality when they arrived in Sodom.Would Lot insist that they stay with him, or would he let them spend the night in the open square? The angels had just enjoyed Abraham's lavish hospitality on their way to Sodom. Now Abraham's nephew Lot showed that he too understood the importance of hospitality. Lot also indirectly indicted Sodom by not allowing the angels to remain in the city square, as he knew what fate awaited them. Indeed, when the angels accepted Lot's hospitality, the men of Sodom came to his very door to demand that he turn his guests over to them to be sexually assaulted.

The sages teach that it was a crime in Sodom to help anyone in need (Sanhedrin 109a, b). Because their city was so well-situated, "like the garden of ADONAI" (Genesis 13:10), the men of Sodom feared that poor strangers would take advantage of them and deplete their wealth. Let us learn a lesson from Sodom. The Scriptures warn us that prosperity is a snare, because it may make us closedhearted to our brothers in need.

…look for opportunities to help a stranger or needy person around me.

RR