TREAT OTHERS FAIRLY: NO EXCEPTIONS
You shall not oppress a stranger, since you yourselves know the feelings of a stranger, for you also were strangers in the land of Egypt. Exodus 23:9
Have you ever felt like a stranger in a foreign land? Maybe you’ve traveled to a place where you don’t know anyone or don’t speak the language. Or perhaps you’ve moved to a new town where you don’t yet have any friends or acquaintances. Whatever the case may be, being a stranger can be a lonely and unsettling experience. In today’s verse, God commands His people to treat strangers fairly and not to oppress them. Why? Because the Israelites themselves were once strangers in the land of Egypt. They know firsthand what it’s like to be in a vulnerable position and to need the kindness and hospitality of others. But let’s be honest – treating strangers fairly isn’t always easy. It’s natural to feel more comfortable around people who are like us – people who share our culture, language, or background. We may be tempted to give preferential treatment to those who fit into our “in-group,” while disregarding or even mistreating those who are different.
God, however, has no room for such partiality. He is a God of justice and mercy, who loves all people equally and calls us to do the same. Whether someone is a stranger, an enemy, or a friend, we are to treat them with respect and kindness. Now, I know what you might be thinking – “But treating others fairly is easier said than done! What if they don’t treat me fairly in return? What if they have different beliefs or values than I do?” Well, that’s where the humor comes in. Let me tell you a little story:
Once upon a time, there was a man named Marcus. Marcus was a proud member of the “Coffee Lovers Club,” a group of people who believed that coffee was the best drink in the world. One day, Marcus met a stranger who told him that he preferred tea to coffee. Marcus was shocked – how could anyone not love coffee? But instead of getting defensive or dismissive, Marcus decided to give tea a try. To his surprise, he actually enjoyed it! He realized that just because someone has different tastes or preferences than he does, it doesn’t mean they’re wrong or inferior.
The moral of the story? Don’t be like Marcus before he tried tea. Don’t be closed-minded or judgmental towards those who are different from you. Instead, be willing to learn from them, to appreciate their unique perspectives and experiences. And above all, remember that treating others fairly is not optional – it’s a commandment from God Himself. Whether someone is a stranger, a friend, or even an enemy, let’s follow Jesus’ example and love them as ourselves (Matthew 22:39).
Prayer:
Dear God, thank you for reminding us to treat strangers with kindness and respect. Help us to overcome our biases and prejudices, and to see all people as your beloved children. Give us the courage to reach out to those who are different from us, and to love them as you have loved us. In Jesus’ name, Amen.