Good Shepherd Lutheran Church

SO HOW SHOULD WE TREAT EACH OTHER?

   In our world globalization continues to erode boundaries erected by geography and distance.  The space that once separated different ethnic groups and languages continues to shrink – often to the point of discomfort.  We encounter our neighbors as foreigners and feel like strangers in our own homes.  Customs and cultures clash.

   So how should we treat each other?  The biblical tradition says, “Show love for foreigners” (philoxenia versus xenophobia – Romans 12, Hebrews 13).  Indeed, nations are governed by law, and legitimately regulate their borders and immigration.  But there is a higher law to which human law is accountable.  It holds the people of God to a high standard.  “When a foreigner lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him.  The foreigner living with you must be treated as one of your native-born.  Love him as yourself, for you too were once foreigners.” (Leviticus 19)