But to do Justly, and to Love Mercy

I’ve never liked alien movies, since creatures with strange body parts and languages simply don’t appeal to me. Even the word alien used to sound frightening, at least until I became one living in Korea. With this newfound and disappointing realization, I decided that it might be a good idea to find out what God had to say about people like me who are sojourners or, more bluntly, aliens.

My first discovery was that He seems to be extremely concerned about those who have left their homeland for whatever reasons and are living among a different culture. In fact, in over twenty passages He commands kindness and even handedness to the alien, promising judgment to those who withhold it. In Exodus 22:21 God gives His people a reason for this call to mercy that they should be able to easily understand – they were at one time aliens in other lands where they were mistreated. He urges them  to carefully reflect on the suffering they endured so that they will be compelled out of love to reverse this curse by extending grace to those who find themselves in similar situations.

But God’s concern surpasses mere suggestions and carries with it instead a clear cut command for action. “When an alien resides with you in your land, you shall not oppress the alien” Lev 19:33. In Jeremiah 7:5-7 He warns the people that if they practice this kind of indifference and oppression His presence will not be with them and they will fail to receive His blessing. At one point, in Isaiah 58 He explains that if they want to be truly blessed they won’t find it through more fasting and prayer and putting on sackcloth, but by doing justly, releasing the bonds of oppression, and showing kindness to the stranger in the land.

So how does this apply to you and me? How are we to respond?

As a Southerner who grew up in Mississippi and moved as an adult to North Carolina, I know a lot about living among aliens in the land. I saw firsthand how certain people groups were oppressed and denied rights that others freely enjoyed. The issue hit closer to home when we moved to North Carolina where there was a large Asian community. I watched as a close friend was overlooked in crowds and excluded from conversations. Oftentimes we stood side by side at gatherings where I’d receive numerous invitations to lunches and get togethers while she’d stand inches away a mere vapor it seemed as those talking with me rarely even noticed her.

While I became increasingly aware of the oppression and opposition she and others endured, I considered myself innocent of any wrongdoing since I wasn’t participating in it. I prayed some about it and went on my way, unable to fully understand the extent of their suffering until I moved to Korea. Upon arriving here, it didn’t take long to realize that I not only looked different, but spoke another language and had completely different customs. I didn’t understand, however, that these differences would often set me in a place of discrimination much like the one my friend endured in North Carolina.

Over the course of four years, I’ve encountered many people who have shown me Christ’s kindness and love, treating me as they’d want to be treated. On the other hand, I’ve also on occasion been shoved aggressively in stores, excluded from events, and many times treated like a second class citizen when it comes to receiving promotions or benefits. With this kind of treatment a pain has emerged that I’d never felt before – one that I’d never had to experience.

All this said, I realize I have two choices in how I can respond – my way or God’s way. And while God has a lot to say about fair treatment of the alien, He has even more to say about loving those who hurt us, spitefully use us and even oppress us. He calls me to love, to forgive (70 times 7), to bless those who curse me and to keep blessing them with a genuine heart of faith that longs to see them come under the fullness of God’s grace and mercy, which He says will lead them to repentance.

Yes, I’m guilty of the same sins that have been committed against me. For many years I sat on the sidelines and watched with sorrow as others were oppressed, but I rarely took action. My own suffering has opened my heart to see that God’s call to mercy extends beyond sentimental feelings of sadness and regret, but demands that I step out in faith to be an instrument of healing and restoration for those who are enduring oppression. My hope is that God will take this hurt and use it for incredible good in the future as I’m now praying and believing that He’ll transform me from a mere observer to an activator on behalf of those who, like me, are calling out for kindness, justice and righteousness to prevail.

"Does the LORD take delight in thousands of rams, in ten thousand rivers of oil? Shall I present my firstborn for my rebellious acts, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul? He has told you, o man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?" Mic 6:7-8