Loving the Stranger

<p>When I moved to a new country, one of my first experiences left me feeling unwelcome. After finding a seat in the little church where my husband was preaching that day, a gruff older gentleman startled me when he said, &ldquo;Move along down.&rdquo; His wife apologized as she explained that I was sitting in the pew they always occupied. Years later I learned that congregations used to rent out pews, which raised money for the church and also ensured no one could take another person&rsquo;s seat. Apparently some of that mentality carried on through the decades.</p> <p>Later, I reflected on how the Lord instructed the Israelites to welcome foreigners, in contrast to cultural practices such as I encountered. In setting out the laws that would allow His people to flourish, the Lord reminded them to welcome foreigners because they themselves were once foreigners (Leviticus 19:34). Not only were they to treat strangers with kindness (v. 33) but they were also to &ldquo;love them as [themselves]&rdquo; (v. 34). God had rescued them from oppression in Egypt, giving them a home in a land &ldquo;flowing with milk and honey&rdquo; (Exodus 3:17). He expected His people to love others who also made their home there.</p> <p>How could you welcome a stranger in your midst? As you consider this, ask God to reveal any cultural practices that might keep you from sharing His love to those you don&rsquo;t yet know.</p>