Exodus 23:9
Also you shall not oppress a stranger: for you know the heart of a stranger, seeing as you were strangers in the land of Egypt.
Dear brothers and sisters in Christ, today, I want to share
a message that is of great importance to our faith and our duty as Christians
in this unstable world. It is a message of love, acceptance, and witnessing to
those who are in need, particularly the migrants and refugees who have sought a
new home, a new beginning, and a new life.
I want to begin by reminding us all the words of our Lord
Jesus Christ in the Gospel of Matthew, where He said, "For I was hungry
and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to
drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in" (Matthew 25:35). This
verse is a powerful reminder of our responsibility to care for and extend a
helping hand to those who are in need, regardless of their background,
nationality, or the circumstances that have led them to our doorstep.
As we see the news and hear the stories of countless
migrants and refugees fleeing their homes due to war, persecution, poverty, and
other hardships, it is easy to become overwhelmed and feel helpless. But it is
in these moments that we remember that our faith calls us to be a beacon of
hope, love, and acceptance to all people, especially those who need it the
most.
Throughout the Bible, we see many examples of individuals
who were once strangers in a foreign land, but through the grace of God and the
compassion of others, were welcomed and embraced as part of a new community.
From Abraham, who left his homeland to follow God's call, to the Israelites who
sought refuge in Egypt during a time of famine, we see that migration and the
seeking of refuge have been a part of human history from the very beginning.
As followers of Christ, we should remember Jesus Himself was
once a refugee, as His family fled to Egypt to escape the murderous intentions
of King Herod. As we reflect on this, let us remember that our Saviour, the Son
of God, knows firsthand the fear, uncertainty, and suffering that many migrants
and refugees experience today.
Brothers and sisters, let us not turn a blind eye to the
plight of those who desperately need our help, acceptance, and love. Instead,
let us follow the Holy Spirit and the teachings of Jesus to reach out to them,
share the Good News, and be a living witness of God's love and mercy.
In our church community, there are many ways in which we can
do this. We can volunteer our time and resources to support organisations and
charities that provide aid and help to migrants and refugees. We can also educate
ourselves and others about the challenges they face, and advocate for policies
that promote compassion, justice, and the dignity of all human beings.
We can open our hearts and our homes, offering friendship
and support to those who have found themselves in our community, far from their
loved ones and the lives they once knew. By doing so, we not only provide
practical help, but we also give them a sense of belonging and the assurance
that they are not alone in their struggles.
So, my dear brothers and sisters, let us be optimistic in our efforts to welcome and care for migrants and refugees, knowing that our actions reflect our faith and our love for God. Let us remember the words of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew: "Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me" (Matthew 25:40).
As we go about our daily lives, let us be mindful of the opportunities we must show love and acceptance to those who differ from us, particularly migrants and refugees. In doing so, we not only fulfil our Christian duty, but we also allow ourselves to be transformed by the power of God's love working through us. May the grace and peace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with you all, as we strive to be a church that is accepting, loving, and a witness to the migrants and refugees in our midst.