How Do I Treat Sojourners?
BRD REFLECTION 2026
Genesis 40:16-23 and Psalm 105:23-36 (NIV)
(Viva Thevathasan from Worship & Music Ministry)
READ:
Read Psalm 105. Verses 23-25 stood out to me.
OBSERVE:
This passage speaks of how the Israelites moved to Egypt and sojourned there. A sojourner is a resident alien who resides in a country but does not have citizen’s rights. In modern terms, a sojourner is a foreign worker or professional on a work pass, an immigrant or a refugee. The Egyptians initially welcomed the sojourners but when they were successful and grew in numbers, the sentiment rapidly turned to hostility. This is a situation that is repeating itself in many places in the world today. The text warns that God watches how a nation treats vulnerable outsiders and how He actively intervened against Egypt to avenge the mistreatment of His people.
APPLY:
I encounter sojourners daily. In a recent stint in hospital, I was looked after by skilful, compassionate staff, many of whom hail from the Philippines, Myanmar, Malaysia and other places. I enjoyed learning about each of them and was richly blessed by their varied life stories, as much as how they played an essential role in my wellbeing and that of the other patients.
The Bible (Deuteronomy 10:19, Leviticus 19:33 – 34 etc) frequently commands me to love the foreigner. This is rooted in the shared historical memory of being strangers in a foreign land. In Singapore, the vast majority of us can trace our direct lineage back to a sojourner.
The Bible also teaches me that every human is made in the image of God (Genesis 1:27, James 3:9, Romans 8:29) – their legal status does not alter a person’s fundamental spiritual worth.
The Bible (Jeremiah 22:3, Psalm 146:9) also consistently groups sojourners with orphans and widows. These populations represent those lacking structural protection, requiring active community care.
DO:
It is not difficult to think of practical ways in which I can apply these principles to sojourners – housing, food, clothing, language lessons, perhaps help with accommodation. In Singapore, foreigners have several avenues of protection within the legal system.
However, I think there is more I can do myself by way of cultural humility. This would encompass my engaging personally in reciprocal relationships and learning from the sojourner’s culture and faith, rather than my always coming from the viewpoint of assimilation with local norms.
PRAY:
Heavenly Father, help me make those who are new or foreign to feel accepted and included in our community. Help me play a part in breaking down barriers of prejudice or fear and let them experience love and belonging. For this is what Jesus would do and in Whose precious name I pray, Amen.
