The Stranger Within Thy Gates. Part [7] 08/02/2025 (Morning thought)

Matthew 5:48 Be you therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in heaven is perfect.

Matthew 5:43 You have heard that it hath been said, thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy. 44 But I say unto you, love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you; 45 That you may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he makes his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust.

[2] The value of the human soul is based upon the price paid for our redemption, and therefore, in our treatment of strangers and foreigners, Christians are to consider that Jesus died for them. They are not things, they are people…. Romans 5: 7 For scarcely for a righteous man will one die: yet peradventure for a good man some would even dare to die. 8 But God commends his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.

[15 LTMS LT 27, par 7] The value of one human soul is more than the value of the whole world…. [3] One Race is not of more value in the sight of God than another. This particular error God corrected at the time He gave Peter the vision of unclean beasts. At the foot of the cross, all human beings stand on a  level playing field.

Hosea 1:10 Yet the number of the children of Israel shall be as the sand of the sea, which cannot be measured nor numbered; and it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, You are not my people, there it shall be said unto them, You are the sons of the living God.

May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!

The Stranger Within Thy Gates. Part [6] 08/02/2025 (Evening thought)

Deuteronomy 24:19 When you cut down thine harvest in thy field, and hast forgot a sheaf in the field, thou shalt not go again to fetch it: it shall be for the stranger, for the fatherless, and for the widow: that the Lord thy God may bless thee in all the work of thine hands.

Several passages in the Bible echo these truths and they are written so that people, the world over will follow God’s lead. In fact, true religion is defined in large part by the way kindness and benevolence are dispensed toward everyone, regardless of creed and race, or cultural backgrounds.

Thus, the following truths, which are lifted directly from the Scriptures are to inform our understanding and practice as we seek to follow in the footsteps of Christ. Pay close attention to His universal approach to benevolence and kindness, for it pertains to all people. [1] The basic essentials such as food, clothing, and shelter are provided, and intended for all of God’s creation even for those who don’t acknowledge Him as God, even for individuals who may be His sworn enemies.

Psalms 104: 10 He sends the springs into the valleys, which run among the hills. 11 They give drink to every beast of the field: the wild asses quench their thirst. 14 He causes the grass to grow for the cattle, and herb for the service of man: that he may bring forth food out of the earth; 15 And wine that makes glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengthens man's heart. 23 Man goes forth unto his work and to his labor until the evening.

Psalms 104:27 These wait all upon thee; that thou mayest give them their meat in due season.

May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!