Have you ever walked into a room full of strangers, feeling your heart race and your palms sweat? Perhaps you’ve moved to a new city, joined a new club, or attended a gathering where you didn’t know a soul. That feeling of being an outsider, a stranger in an unfamiliar place, is a universal human experience. It’s a feeling that resonates through time, echoing the experiences of countless individuals throughout history, including the Israelites thousands of years ago. Today, as we explore Leviticus 19, we’re challenged to consider how we treat the strangers in our midst. How can we transform our community into a place of welcome, where outsiders become friends, and everyone feels at home regardless of their background?

The scripture passage we will be looking at today is part of a larger biblical narrative that points to Jesus. These texts may be ancient, but they are still alive and active today. The Holy Spirit communicates with us through them, and I hope you can sense God’s presence while exploring them today. Please take a moment to jot down any thoughts or reflections. Before we dive into today’s passage, let’s revisit the scriptures we covered in the past few weeks.

We began our series, “Do Unto Others: A Campaign for Kindness,” last week with Abraham and Sarah’s leap of faith in Genesis, a story that resonates deeply in our chaotic world. Their willingness to step into the unknown and trust God’s call showed us how to practice kindness even when life is uncertain.

This week, we’re fast-forwarding to the book of Leviticus in Israel’s history. While it might seem like a big jump, there’s a crucial connection. Do you remember how Abraham and Sarah were called to leave their homeland? Our scripture passage for today speaks directly to how God’s people should treat foreigners in their land.

It’s as if God is saying, “Remember when you were strangers in a new land? Now it’s your turn to show respect to others in that situation.” This passage invites us to practice kindness and respect actively, especially toward those who might seem different or unfamiliar.

In today’s world, where fear often overshadows compassion, these ancient words offer timely wisdom. They remind us that respect and fairness aren’t just nice ideas but divine commands. As we navigate the complexities of an election year, consider how we can embody this respect-filled kindness in our daily lives, transforming our community one interaction at a time. To understand Leviticus 19:33-37, we must first consider its historical context.

Composed around 1400 BCE, the book of Leviticus emerged during a pivotal period in Israelite history. The nation had recently escaped Egyptian bondage and was navigating the challenges of desert life and societal formation. Under Moses’ leadership, the Israelites were learning to establish a new identity as God’s chosen people.

Daily life during this era centered on survival and community building. The Israelites grappled with necessities while receiving divine instructions for constructing a just and holy society. This backdrop helps interpret our passage for today, as it illuminates the practical and spiritual challenges the people faced. Leviticus 19:33-37 is strategically positioned within what is known as the “Holiness Code.”

This section is devoted to ethical and ritual guidelines for holy living. Its placement between laws concerning business ethics and proper worship underscores its significance. This placement suggests that the ethical treatment of foreigners is as fundamental to holiness as honest commerce and appropriate religious observance.

This passage aligns with a recurrent biblical theme: God’s concern for the vulnerable. This focus persists from the Torah to the Prophets and into the New Testament, revealing a consistent divine priority for justice and compassion.

The primary themes of the passage include respect for human dignity, equitable treatment, and the equality of all people before God. It challenges us to extend the same considerations to outsiders as to established community members.

Today, this ancient text prompts us to consider: Who are the “foreigners” in our midst today? In our congregation? In our county? In our country? How can we apply these principles of respect and fairness in our increasingly diverse society? The wisdom in this passage resonates powerfully in our modern world.

Consider the new colleague who joins your team, bringing unfamiliar customs and perspectives. The passage challenges us to move beyond tolerance to active welcome by inviting them to lunch, offering onboarding on workplace norms, and learning from the new perspective they bring.

In our neighborhoods, we might encounter families struggling to make ends meet, facing eviction or food insecurity. The scripture’s call to treat the vulnerable fairly applies directly here. It might mean bringing items to our food pantry, advocating for affordable housing, or helping a needy neighbor.

This passage offers guidance for those navigating the complexities of the dating world. It reminds us to approach new relationships with openness and respect, regardless of differences in background or beliefs. This might mean understanding a partner’s cultural traditions or religious practices, even if they differ from ours.

The command to use honest scales in verse 36 speaks to integrity in all our dealings. In a world of online reviews and social media, it calls us to be truthful in our words and actions, whether selling a used car or sharing our opinions online.

Ultimately, this passage invites us to see the humanity in everyone we encounter. It challenges us to ask: How can we create a community where everyone feels valued and respected? Whether in our workplaces, social circles, or civic engagement, we’re called to embody this ancient wisdom, treating others with the same respect and fairness we hope to receive.

The good news is that God’s love empowers us to create positive change in our world. We’re not just hearers of the word but doers. Christ’s example challenges us to move beyond our comfort zones and actively embrace those who might feel like outsiders in our community.

Imagine the impact we could have if we truly lived out these principles of love and inclusion. Each of us has the power to make a difference. When we choose to see the dignity in every person we encounter, we create ripples of change that extend far beyond our immediate circle. Treating someone with respect can transform a day, week, or life.

But let’s be honest – this isn’t always easy. It requires intentionality and sometimes pushes us into uncomfortable territory. That’s why we’re not just leaving this as a nice idea. We’re committing to action. In a few moments, Sarah will share specific ways we can put these principles into practice through our “Do Unto Others” initiative. These intentional acts will challenge us to live out Christ’s love this week.

Every small act of love and inclusion matters. When we reach out to strangers, advocate for the marginalized, or show kindness and respect to someone different, we’re not just following rules—we’re participating in God’s transformative work. Together, we can create a world where everyone feels valued, respected, and truly at home. Will you pray with me?

Loving God, please open our eyes to see the strangers among us. Please give us the courage to welcome them with open hearts. Help us to be your hands and feet, creating a community of love and belonging. Amen.

~ Pastor Andrew