Leviticus 24:22

"Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country: for I am the Lord your God."
Leviticus 24:22


This struck me today as a good "unity" scripture.  Even though the Lord made a b'zillion promises to the children of Israel, and set them apart from other people... he also made sure to tell them that their law wasn't only for themselves, it was for their interactions with others (outsiders/strangers) as well.  I think that this helps when we are tempted to just "take care of our own" ... not that it is a bad thing to take care of each other within the church, or our families or social groups, but we need to help other people too.  We can't get caught up in the idea of the church as a social club, or look at the gospel with any kind of exclusivity.   The law, and the promises, are for everyone, and for our interactions with everyone.   We can't love our friends and cheat strangers... the gospel has to permeate every aspect of our lives, or we're not quite getting it. :)