08.31.10 “Treat others as I have treated you”
Scripture Reading: Leviticus 19:33-34; 25:35-42
33 ” ‘When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. 34 The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.
35 ” ‘If one of your countrymen becomes poor and is unable to support himself among you, help him as you would an alien or a temporary resident, so he can continue to live among you. 36 Do not take interest of any kind [a] from him, but fear your God, so that your countryman may continue to live among you. 37 You must not lend him money at interest or sell him food at a profit. 38 I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan and to be your God.
39 ” ‘If one of your countrymen becomes poor among you and sells himself to you, do not make him work as a slave. 40 He is to be treated as a hired worker or a temporary resident among you; he is to work for you until the Year of Jubilee. 41 Then he and his children are to be released, and he will go back to his own clan and to the property of his forefathers. 42 Because the Israelites are my servants, whom I brought out of Egypt, they must not be sold as slaves. 43 Do not rule over them ruthlessly, but fear your God.
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Reflection Questions
The first five books of the Bible, also known as the Torah, record the origin of the Israelite people. Leviticus contains the law given to the descendants of Abraham following their rescue from Egypt and during their resettlement into the Promised Land. These detailed instructions were meant to shape the life of Israel around their relationship with God and their calling to be a witness to other nations.
- Why do you think God directed the Israelites to care for outsiders and the poor among them in this way? In what way do acts of compassion connect with our respect for God?
- Throughout Leviticus we find God reminding Israel that they had been rescued from slavery. In this section God essentially says “treat others as I have treated you.” Do you believe that remembering who you once were helps you in learning to love others? In what way?
Weekly Prayer
God, we confess to you that we sometimes find it easier to love you than we do our neighbor. We struggle with forgiveness. We wrestle with letting go. We forget that grace received should always lead to grace shared. Forgive us, God, for this sin and inspire us to see our neighbor through your eyes. Thank you, God, for loving each of us in spite of these, our sins. Help us to love like you love. AMEN.
Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version® NIV®. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.®. Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.