How can Leviticus 19:33 influence our church's outreach to immigrants and refugees? The Command at the Core • “When a foreigner resides with you in your land, you must not mistreat him.” (Leviticus 19:33) • The verb “must” places this on the level of a divine, non-negotiable directive. • God addresses His covenant people’s daily life, proving the command is not abstract but actionable. Seeing God’s Heart for the Foreigner • Scripture repeatedly shows God’s concern for outsiders: – “You must not oppress a foreigner.” (Exodus 23:9) – “He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing.” (Deuteronomy 10:18-19) • God ties Israel’s memory of Egypt to their treatment of newcomers (Leviticus 19:34). Remembering past bondage fuels present compassion. • The same Lord who gave this command later welcomed Gentiles through Christ (Ephesians 2:12-13). Why This Matters Today • Immigrants and refugees mirror the “foreigner” of Leviticus—people dwelling among us, vulnerable to mistreatment. • Obedience is not optional; ignoring the command rejects God’s revealed will. • Welcoming outsiders displays the gospel: we were once “strangers to the covenants of promise” (Ephesians 2:12). Practical Ways to Reflect the Command Hospitality • Offer meals, transportation help, language tutoring. • Open church facilities for ESL classes or cultural orientation. Advocacy • Guide newcomers through legal paperwork without charging fees. • Stand with them if they face discrimination or wage theft. Integration • Pair families with “friendship partners” from the congregation. • Incorporate Scripture readings or songs in newcomers’ heart languages during worship. Compassion Ministries • Stock a “welcome pantry” with culturally familiar foods and essentials. • Provide job-skills workshops and childcare during classes. Gospel Witness • Share Christ naturally as trust grows; model love first, speak truth faithfully (1 Peter 3:15). • Distribute bilingual Bibles and invite participation in small-group studies. Guarding Against Common Pitfalls • Tokenism—doing a photo-op project without ongoing relationship. • Paternalism—assuming we know their needs better than they do; listen first (Proverbs 18:13). • Fear—letting political rhetoric override biblical commands; “Perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18). The Gospel in Action • Jesus identified Himself with the stranger: “I was a stranger and you welcomed Me.” (Matthew 25:35) • The early church practiced inclusive fellowship: Jews and Gentiles broke bread together (Acts 11:18; Galatians 3:28). • Our outreach becomes a living apologetic—demonstrating that God’s kingdom transcends borders. Closing Encouragement Leviticus 19:33 is more than ancient legislation; it is a present-tense summons. As we honor it, the church mirrors the Lord who “so loved the world” (John 3:16), extending His unchanging love to every newcomer He brings to our doorstep. |
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