How does remembering being "foreigners in Egypt" shape our empathy towards others? The Verse That Anchors Us “ You must not oppress a foreign resident; you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners, because you were foreigners in the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 23:9) Why God Calls Us to Remember • Israel’s history is literal history—God really did redeem an enslaved nation. • By commanding, “remember,” the Lord links past deliverance to present obedience; gratitude becomes motivation for mercy (Deuteronomy 10:18-19). • Forgetting breeds pride; recalling Egypt keeps hearts tender and dependent on God (Deuteronomy 8:11-14). Memory Awakens Compassion • Shared experience: knowing “how it feels” creates an immediate bridge to anyone who is vulnerable, displaced, or overlooked. • Equality before God: the same Lord who rescued Israel now watches how His people treat outsiders (Leviticus 19:33-34). • Divine empathy: God loves the foreigner, giving “food and clothing” (Deuteronomy 10:18); we mirror His character when we do likewise. Practical Applications Today • Speak kindly—refuse jokes, slurs, or stereotypes that wound newcomers. • Offer help—language tutoring, transportation, childcare, or navigating paperwork. • Defend the vulnerable—stand up when immigrants face injustice, as Scripture commands (Exodus 22:21). • Include at the table—invite internationals to meals, church events, and holiday gatherings. • Give materially—support ministries that provide housing, legal aid, and gospel witness to refugees. • Model humility—acknowledge our own past alienation from God and His gracious welcome (Ephesians 2:12-19). Christ’s Fulfillment and Our Identity • Jesus was a refugee in Egypt (Matthew 2:13-15), fully identifying with the outsider. • At the cross He brought strangers near, making one new people (Ephesians 2:14-16). • Remembering our redemption—far greater than Egypt—fuels lasting empathy: “I was a stranger and you invited Me in” (Matthew 25:35). |
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