Courtesy to Strangers
W. H. Jellie. Leviticus 19:33-34 And if a stranger sojourn with you in your land, you shall not vex him.… I. WE OURSELVES ARE STRANGERS ON THE EARTH. "For ye were strangers in the land" (ver. 34). 1. Dependent on other care than our own; human and Divine. 2. Transient, soon to leave, resting but a little while on earth. Observe: it is good to see in the case of others an analogy with our own; it will foster sympathy and helpfulness. II. COURTESY SHOULD ROOT ITSELF IN GENEROUS LOVE. "Thou shalt love him as thyself." 1. Acting to the stranger as if the service were being rendered to us. This will teach us what to do, and how to show kindness. 2. Recognising that we may perchance be in the stranger's position. As thus needing kindness, let us now exhibit it. 3. Opening our hearts in ungrudging benevolence. "Love" gives lavishly. Courtesy should not be meagre and superficial. III. GRATITUDE TO HEAVEN PROMPTS US TO GENEROUS KINDNESS. "Ye were strangers in the land of Egypt; I am the Lord your God." 1. Memory of God's rescue should constrain us to care for others. 2. God's relationship to us requires that we illustrate His lovingkindness. 3. His commands to courtesy cannot be evaded with impunity. (W. H. Jellie.) Parallel Verses KJV: And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him. WEB: "'If a stranger lives as a foreigner with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong.