How does loving foreigners reflect God's character, as shown in Deuteronomy 10:19? Setting the Scene – Deuteronomy records Moses’ final sermons on the plains of Moab. – Israel is about to enter Canaan, but Moses reminds them of God’s law and God’s heart. – The command about foreigners comes in a passage celebrating God’s greatness, justice, and mercy. The Command in Deuteronomy 10:19 “You are also to love the foreigner, since you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt.” What This Reveals About God’s Heart • Compassion rooted in His own nature: “For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribe.” (Deuteronomy 10:17) • Justice for the vulnerable: “He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing.” (Deuteronomy 10:18) • Covenant faithfulness: God remembers how He rescued Israel and expects them to remember, too. • Impartial love: Psalm 146:9; Malachi 3:5 show the LORD defending the sojourner, revealing that His standards never shift. How Loving Foreigners Mirrors God’s Character 1. Imitating His mercy – God loved Israel when they had no status (Exodus 22:21). – Showing similar mercy displays His unfailing kindness to outsiders today (Ephesians 2:12-19). 2. Displaying His justice – God’s concern for equity becomes visible when His people treat foreigners fairly (Leviticus 19:33-34). – Partiality contradicts His very nature; impartial welcome reflects it. 3. Remembering redemption – Loving outsiders is a lived reminder that God redeemed Israel from slavery. – The church likewise remembers redemption through Christ by embracing those once “strangers to the covenants of promise” (Ephesians 2:19). 4. Testifying to the nations – Israel’s unique ethic was meant to draw attention to a holy God (Deuteronomy 4:6-8). – When believers today extend hospitality, they reveal God’s salvation plan reaching “every nation, tribe, people and tongue” (Revelation 7:9). Practical Application Today • Welcome immigrants, refugees, exchange students, and international coworkers into homes and congregations. • Provide tangible aid—food, clothing, legal assistance—just as God clothed and fed Israel. • Guard speech and attitudes from mockery or prejudice; speak blessing instead (James 3:9-10). • Support policies that uphold dignity and justice without compromising righteousness (Romans 13:1-7; Micah 6:8). • Share the gospel plainly, offering the ultimate welcome into God’s family (Matthew 25:35; 1 Peter 2:11-12). Key Takeaways – Loving foreigners is not optional; it springs from God’s own love. – The practice makes His invisible attributes visible in daily life. – Remembering personal redemption fuels compassion for outsiders. – When believers love the foreigner, they bear faithful witness to the God who “so loved the world” (John 3:16). |
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