How can we "love the foreigner" in our community today, as Deuteronomy 10:19 instructs? Rooted in God’s Command “So you also must love the foreigner, since you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt.” (Deuteronomy 10:19) Because every word of Scripture is true and trustworthy, this directive still stands unchanged for believers today. Why the Mandate Still Echoes • God’s character is hospitable (Deuteronomy 10:18). • We once stood outside God’s covenant (Ephesians 2:12–13). • Our obedience displays the gospel’s power (Matthew 5:16). Seeing the Foreigner Through God’s Eyes • Fellow image-bearers (Genesis 1:27). • Potential brothers and sisters in Christ (Galatians 3:28). • A reminder of our own rescue from spiritual exile (Colossians 1:13). Practical Ways to Love the Foreigner Today Hospitality at Home – Invite international students, refugee families, or migrant co-workers for meals. – Celebrate their cultural holidays alongside them (Romans 12:15). Community Advocacy – Help navigate paperwork, schools, and healthcare; go with them to appointments (James 2:15-16). – Support ESL programs or volunteer to teach English. Church Integration – Offer translation devices, bilingual services, or printed sermon notes (1 Corinthians 14:9-10). – Encourage shared leadership and worship styles reflecting their backgrounds. Material Assistance – Collect furniture, clothing, and groceries for newcomers (Romans 12:13). – Partner with local ministries that resettle refugees and immigrants. Spiritual Care – Study Scripture together; give Bibles in their heart language (Acts 8:30-31). – Pray with them for family still abroad, demonstrating Christ’s compassion (Philippians 4:6-7). Workplace Kindness – Speak up if colleagues ridicule accents or backgrounds (Proverbs 31:8-9). – Share lunch breaks and learn their stories. Public Witness – Defend fair treatment in local policies (Leviticus 19:33-34). – Display patience and courtesy in everyday interactions: grocery lines, clinics, buses (Hebrews 13:2). Heart Checks While We Serve • Motive: Love, not pity or tokenism (1 Corinthians 13:1-3). • Humility: Willingness to learn from the foreigner (Philippians 2:3-4). • Perseverance: Ongoing relationship, not one-time charity (Galatians 6:9). The Gospel on Display When believers welcome outsiders, they mirror Christ, who “came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10). Loving the foreigner isn’t just social action; it rehearses the story of our own redemption and points the watching world to the God who welcomes all who come to Him through Jesus. |
    |