Leviticus 19:33-34 (NIVUK)
33 ‘“When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not ill-treat them. 34 The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.
Yesterday, we saw how God’s people were to treat each other with respect so that their community didn’t collapse. They understood, however, that this respect was to extend beyond themselves to others who had chosen to live in their community, to become part of their number. Why? Because they were once foreigners too, relying on the respect of those they dwelt amongst in Egypt. It is hard to read this and not find ourselves reflecting on our treatment of asylum seekers and immigrants today.
Father, help us to treat those who come to us seeking help with respect, as we would wish to be treated if we were in their shoes.
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