The goodwill of strangers

“Show me and the country in which you are now a stranger the same kindness that I showed you” (1. Moses 21,23).

How should a country deal with its strangers? And more importantly, how should we behave when we are a stranger in another country? To 1. In Genesis 21, Abraham lived in Gerar. He was treated well, it seems, in spite of the deceit Abraham made against Abimelech king of Gerar. Abraham had told him a half-truth about his wife Sarah to protect himself from being killed. As a result, Abimelech almost committed adultery with Sarah. However, Abimelech did not return evil for evil, but returned Sarah, Abraham's wife, to him. And Abimelech said: “Behold, my land lies before you; live where it is good in your eyes!” 1. In this way he gave Abraham free passage throughout the kingdom. He also gave him a thousand silver shekels (verse 20,15).

How did Abraham respond? He prayed for Abimelech's family and household that a sterility curse would be lifted from them. But Abimelech was still suspicious. Perhaps he saw Abraham as a power to be considered. So Abimelech reminded Abraham how he and his citizens treated him with benevolence. The two men made a covenant, they wanted to live together in the country without aggression or hostility. Abraham promised that he would no longer act fraudulently. 1. Moses 21,23 and show appreciation for the benevolence.

Much later, Jesus said in Luke 6,31 "And as you would have men do unto you, do unto them also." This is the meaning of what Abimelech said to Abraham. Here is a lesson for all of us: whether we are natives or strangers, we should be kind and kind to one another.


Prayer

Dear Father, please help us to be friendly with each other through your mind. In the name of Jesus Amen!

by James Henderson


pdfThe goodwill of strangers