Loving the Foreigner

“He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing. So you also must love the foreigner, for you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt.”
– Deuteronomy 10:18-19


These words come from Moses’ instructions to Israel as they prepared to enter the Promised Land. God reminds them not only of His justice and compassion but of their own past—of when they were the outsiders, the vulnerable, the misunderstood. That memory was to shape their identity and guide their treatment of others.

God doesn’t merely tolerate the foreigner—He loves them. He provides for them, watches over them, and calls His people to do the same. This mandate wasn’t optional. It was rooted in God’s character and in Israel’s own story of deliverance.

For Christians today, the call remains. We are not to withhold love or kindness from those who are “other” or different—from strangers, immigrants, or even fellow believers whose experiences seem foreign to ours. Instead, we’re to remember that we, too, were once outsiders to God’s promises—until Jesus welcomed us in.

Loving the “foreigner” in our context may mean reaching across political, cultural, or theological divides to extend mercy and hospitality. It may mean choosing to see people first as fellow image-bearers of God, not through the lens of fear or legalism. It is an act of obedience that reflects God’s heart.


Questions

1. How does remembering your own need for God’s mercy help you show mercy to others?

2. Are there people you’ve seen as “outsiders” in the body of Christ? How might God be calling you to love them?

3. What would it look like to practice justice and compassion toward the “foreigner” today?


Suggested Activity

Identify someone in your life who feels like an outsider—perhaps because of culture, language, background, or belief. Take one intentional step to include them, encourage them, or serve them today. Let your love reflect the heart of the God who welcomed you.


Prayer

God of compassion, 

You love the ones the world forgets. You care for the widow, the orphan, and the stranger. Remind me that I was once far off, yet You brought me near. Let that memory shape my heart. Help me to love as You love—to serve, to welcome, to give, and to protect. May my love for the outsider bear witness to Your inclusive and generous grace.

In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

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