“X”—Xenophilia
The actual Greek word is philoxenia, which literally means love of strangers, foreigners, aliens.
Xenophilia is defined in The American Heritage Dictionary of the English Language, 3rd ed. as attraction to that which is foreign, especially to foreign peoples, manners, and customs.
It thus stands in deep contrast with xenophobia (a fear or hatred towards foreigners, strangers, or those different than us), a sin that has too often characterized many churches.
In our English translations of the Bible, philoxenia is translated as hospitality (Rom 12:13; 1 Pet 4:9) and to show hospitality to strangers (Heb 13:2). Such love to strangers is a required attribute of church leaders (1 Tim 3:2).
In the final judgment Jesus will either commend or condemn based upon whether or not people have welcomed the least of these (and thus welcomed Christ himself; Matt 25:35, 43). Jesus is the great model for hospitality, as is indicated in the Gospel narratives as well in the whole wonder of his incarnation and passion.
Indeed, we were not merely strangers to him; we were God’s enemies when he died for us (Rom 5:8). In declaring such love, the Gospel also calls us to imitate him (1 John 4:10-11).
I did not know I was a "xenophiliac"; explains a lot.
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