Teaching Notes

When we treat others right, we increase their joy in the Lord's ability.

Deuteronomy 10:19-21

(The Message)

10:19-21 You must treat foreigners with the same loving care—remember, you were once foreigners in Egypt. Reverently respect God, your God, serve him, hold tight to him, back up your promises with the authority of his name. He's your praise! He's your God! He did all these tremendous, these staggering things that you saw with your own eyes.

Notes: After the people have been told about the goodness of God, then they are told they must do to others what has been done for them. God has shown them love, now he tells them to treat the foreigners with the same loving care that was given to them. They are also instructed to respect God and hold to his ways closely and trust in him.

Question: What does the scripture mean by foreigner?

Answer: A foreigner is someone that is not in the homeland, but in the home of another. Who can be a foreigner among you? It can be a true foreigner as in someone from another country and are in need of our help for them be comfortable in our land. Or a foreigner could be someone that is not of the same house, in this instance of the house of God, the people of God. This foreigner is an unsaved person that has entered into your church (your land) and is not familiar with the customs of your land. You are to be loving and patient with them.

Prayer: Lord, help us to be loving to those that do not know you. Help us not turn anyone away because of our unloving attitude or behavior. Help us to show love to others just as you showed love to us when we too were strangers to your ways.