Introductory Thoughts
It is easier to love those with whom we feel a common bond and share a special relationship. In fact, the Lord suggests as much in the scripture. When the Lord encouraged His people to love strangers, He did so by reminding them that they too had been strangers in the land of Egypt. By recalling their past associations, the Israelites would know how to better deal with those who were strangers to them. It would be good for them to recall some of the trials they faced when they were strangers in a strange land. With this in mind, they would know how to care for and minister to the strangers. Though Christians are not under the law and most are not Israelites, much can be learned from these truths. It becomes easier to love those to whom we can closely relate.
Devotional Thoughts
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(For children): We cannot know everyone but we can have a love for all people because all of us are alike in this way: we all have sinned (Romans 3:23) and Christ died for us. (Romans 5:8). We should be willing to share this message with everyone, even those whom we consider different from us.
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(For everyone): As the Lords coming draws nigh, people are becoming increasingly wicked. As such, it should be more difficult for the Christian to relate to them. What common ground might help you to show your love toward them?
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If finding common ground helps us love others, how could the Lord better use us to minister to others? How could it help us to be more effective if we endured more trials and difficulties?
Prayer Thoughts
- Ask the Lord to help you see yourself in others.
- Ask the Lord to give you a love for others around you.
Song
RESCUE THE PERISHING
