The biblical mandate to love the sojourner is a recurring theme throughout Scripture, emphasizing God's compassion and justice. This call is rooted in the character of God and His covenant relationship with Israel, extending to the ethical and moral obligations of His people.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays a strong foundation for the treatment of sojourners, often equating their rights and protections with those of native-born Israelites. In the Torah, God commands His people to love the sojourner, reminding them of their own history as foreigners in Egypt. Leviticus 19:33-34 states, "When a foreigner resides with you in your land, you must not oppress him. You must treat the foreigner living among you as native-born and love him as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God."

This command is not merely a social or humanitarian directive but is deeply theological, reflecting God's own nature and His acts of deliverance. Deuteronomy 10:18-19 further underscores this, saying, "He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing. So you also must love the foreigner, since you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt."

Prophetic Witness

The prophets continue this theme, often critiquing Israel for failing to uphold justice and righteousness, including their treatment of sojourners. In Ezekiel 22:7 , the prophet lists the mistreatment of the sojourner as one of the reasons for God's judgment against Jerusalem: "They have treated father and mother with contempt. They have oppressed the foreigner within you; they have wronged the fatherless and the widow."

New Testament Continuation

The New Testament reaffirms the call to love the sojourner, expanding it within the context of the early Christian community. Jesus Himself embodies this love, reaching out to those marginalized and considered outsiders. In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus illustrates that love for one's neighbor transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries, challenging His followers to show mercy and compassion to all.

The apostle Paul, in his letters, emphasizes the breaking down of barriers between Jew and Gentile, creating a new community in Christ where all are equal. Ephesians 2:19 declares, "Therefore you are no longer strangers and foreigners, but fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household."

Theological Implications

The call to love the sojourner is not merely a social ethic but a reflection of God's redemptive plan for humanity. It challenges believers to live out their faith in tangible ways, demonstrating God's love and justice in a broken world. This call is a reminder of the believer's own status as a sojourner on earth, looking forward to the eternal kingdom of God.

Practical Application

In practical terms, the call to love the sojourner invites Christians to engage in acts of hospitality, advocacy, and support for those who are marginalized and displaced. It encourages the church to be a welcoming community, reflecting the inclusive love of Christ. This biblical mandate challenges believers to examine their attitudes and actions towards immigrants, refugees, and all who are considered outsiders, urging them to embody the love and justice of God in their daily lives.