March 9, 2014

Deuteronomy 10:  ¹⁹ And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.

Moses is still giving the final instructions to the Chosen People before they move, without him, into the Promised Land.  He has recounted the story of the Exodus with all its moves and the lessons learned on the road.  He is telling them how to worship and how to treat the priests.  He tells them about offerings and prayer and faith in general.  He is both blessing them (if they follow the Law) and cursing them (if they forget the Lord).

I have issues with people who find ways to use their religion to treat foreigners badly.  I do not understand how we think it's okay to lump people together by nationality or ethnicity.  Then we can justify treating an entire class of people differently.  We are all "strangers in a strange land" at times.  We must be compassionate to those among us whom others regard as strange.

Prayer:  O, Lord, guide Your people to treat all other persons with compassion.  Let me view others through a loving lens, not one of judgment.  Help me to see the commonality of all Your people, and make my thoughts and actions be kind.
Amen