Loving the Sojourner

The word "refugee" is a buzz word in the news. The word does not appear in the Bible. There are words that give connotations of this term such as strangers, sojourners, or foreigners.

For instance, the book of Ruth is about a widow from the tribe of Moab who chooses to accompany her mother-in-law, Naomi, back to Israel and live with her there. In Ruth 2:10, we see her ask Boaz, in whose field she is gleaning, “Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me — a foreigner?” She understands her status as being outside the tribe of Israel.

In our country of Colombia, we have sojourners that are traveling to stay or are passing through for other opportunities in neighboring countries. They are Venezuelans.  

Venezuela, once one of the wealthiest countries in South America, has plummeted into a deep economic crisis. 

We have challenged the church to be like Boaz and show favor to these 'Ruths' by practicing Micah 6:8, “The Lord has told you what is good. He has told you what he wants from you. Do what is right to other people. Love being kind to others. And live humbly, trusting your God.” (ICB)