Do not mistreat foreigners who are living in your land.
JOHN 15:14 (GNT)
Jesus: And you are my friends if you do what I command you.
THE ESSENCE
God's friends befriend foreigners.
DAILY FODDER
The command of Leviticus 19:33 is repeated numerous times in the Bible. It's almost as though the treatment of foreigners is one of the health indicators for Israel. Why is treating foreigners well such an important part of God's agenda for his people? (That doesn't seem to advance the significance of his chosen people, Israel.) How are foreigners treated in your country? How many foreign friends do you have?
PRAYER
Thank you, my welcoming Savior. Forgive me for hand-picking my friends and purging those I don't like. Help me to share your way of welcoming the stranger. You create this calling for all people. Show me how I can do this in my community. Lead me to join others in building a world of friendship. Amen. (Daily Texts, Ground Up Grace edition)
Our Father in Heaven,
we hold your name in the highest regard.
Please come and establish your reign here on earth
so that everything that happens here will align
with what is happening in heaven.
and we’ll forgive those who have wronged us.
Shield us from the trials and temptations that come our way.
Lastly, we pray that you will protect us from all forms of evil. Amen.
