February 12, 2009 Loving The “Foreigner”
Today’s Bible Reading: Leviticus 18–19; Psalm 13; Acts 19
Scripture Focus:
Leviticus 19: 33–34 And if a stranger dwells with you in your land, you shall not mistreat him. The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.
Observation:
Many foreigners live among us—people whose native land is other than the USA. God has an interesting perspective on the foreigner: love him as yourself, and here’s one reason why: you’ve been a stranger, so you know what it feels like.
Application:
I have been a stranger. I remember well visiting a church in England where a young couple invited me and the other three girls I was traveling with home to Sunday dinner. What a spontaneous act of hospitality! Many others helped us, too, along the way during our travels that year.
We have many foreigners here in Portland. This is a great reminder to love them with God’s love, whenever I get the chance!
Prayer:
Abba Father, give me the opportunity to show kindness to foreigners in your Name and to treat them as I would want to be treated. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
