The Hebrew/Christian Scriptures give some incredible insight as to how to treat the stranger in our midst. God is a welcoming God and as God teaches and guides God’s people, God does so with a loving and welcoming attitude toward the stranger. God reminds us that we know the heart of an alien because we have been aliens, “You shall not oppress a resident alien; you know the heart of an alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 23.9, NRSV) God then calls for the people to provide the alien with food, love and acceptance (no mention is made of why the alien is there or how long the alien will stay) because this is the way of Love.
Leviticus 19.10:
You shall not strip your vineyard bare, or gather the fallen grapes of your vineyard; you shall leave them for the poor and the alien: I am the Lordyour God.
Leviticus 19.33:
When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien.
Leviticus 19.34:
The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.
Rise up people of God to welcome and love the stranger in your midst.
