July 11 -- "Loving the Immigrants"

 Today’s Reading: Deuteronomy 10

"Loving the Immigrants"

How do you feel about refugees and immigrants?  Are you frustrated with them?  Or hateful toward them?  Or do you love – really love – them?  In today’s verse, Moses reminds the Israelites of the importance of loving and embracing the "sojourner" (transient, migrant, stranger), specifically referring to foreigners and immigrants. The Israelites had experienced the hardships and challenges of being strangers in Egypt, and now they were called to extend love, compassion, and hospitality to those who had come from other lands.

Today, the issue of foreigners and immigrants continues to be a hot political topic. Our world is marked by diversity, with people from various nations and backgrounds seeking refuge, opportunities, and a better life in foreign lands. As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate God's heart for the vulnerable and the marginalized, including those who are strangers in our midst.

It is time for Christ’s followers to go beyond mere tolerance and embrace them with genuine love, respect, and acceptance. Seek to understand their stories, their cultures, and their needs. Extend a helping hand, offer support, and create spaces of hospitality where they feel welcomed and valued.

Let's remember that beneath our differences, we are all human beings created in the image of God, and we all desire love, acceptance, and belonging.

So, as followers of Christ, let's heed Moses' timeless advice and love foreigners and immigrants. Let's be advocates for justice and compassion, standing against discrimination and prejudice. By doing so, we reflect the heart of our Heavenly Father, who loves and cares for every person, regardless of their nationality or origin.

Together, let's build bridges to the displaced by extending a warm embrace instead of turning people away. In the words of Mother Teresa, "If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other." Let's remember that we are all part of the same human family, and by embracing foreigners and immigrants, we can create a more compassionate and inclusive world.

May our love and hospitality be a testimony of God's grace and transform lives as we embody the love of Christ to those who are strangers in our midst.