Leviticus 19 DAILY LIVING Sometimes it is possible for us to ignore common sense and common decency in daily living. If we are not careful, the pursuit of our own goals will take such a claim on time, energy and skills that we forget the danger of assimilating into what is accepted by society around us and ignoring the needs some people have. Society has made things that are sins in God's eyes, acceptable, and people wonder at the refusal of a true Christian to accommodate to the opinions of the majority. No matter what others think and do, we who belong to God must commit ourselves to holiness. In that way we will have divine guidelines to keep us from breaking fellowship with God even when we must separate ourselves from what other people do.
On the other hand, we are responsible for the well-being of people around us in spite of who they are. All we have and claim for ourselves, really belongs to God and He allows us to use it for appropriate purposes. The biblical welfare system was such that provision was there for the poor, but they had to avail themselves of it by going after it themselves. It was not handed to them on a "silver platter." They had to go out to the fields and gather food for themselves that had been left for them by the property owners. God had arranged for the poor by generously making available to them what was His to give. This was a law of mercy all right, but the mercy had to be accepted on God's terms.
The "edges of the fields" today remind us that we have a responsibility to others to make available to them what they need if they are willing to make the effort to claim it. The poor and the pilgrims and strangers are able to take advantage of the provision if they avail themselves of it. To place something beneficial in the hands of one without expecting some effort on their part if they are able, is a hindrance to them as well as to those they will come into contact with in the future. The Bible isn't a book of "dos and don'ts" but it does teach the importance of righteous, responsible daily living. When we do what God says in God's way, the laws He has given make sense. That is why they can be easily summarized by "Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all they heart ... and thy neighbor as thyself." All other laws will fit in those categories.
In caring for the aged, the fundamental law is to give them the respect they deserve. When that is done, the responsibility we owe them will be met. If it is visiting and taking time for them, then we will be glad to give it. If it is meeting some practical or material need that also will be met. To respect and honor those who are older, has the benefit of one being able to learn from their wisdom and experience. That will preserve us from falling into unnecessary traps that will hurt or mar our testimony for God.
Foreigners and illegal aliens come under a lot of scathing criticism in our day. People who talk different languages or are different races and from different countries, are often discriminated against - sometimes without cause. We are told by God to treat them the same as our countrymen who have been here longer. Our background is that of being foreigners ourselves. This world is only our temporary dwelling place anyway. Honesty, integrity, respect for others and reverence for God are principles we are to apply in daily living.