Suffering can lead us down two paths: towards apathy and indifference, or towards love and empathy. The Bible encourages us to choose the latter, to let our suffering teach us to care deeply for others. Personal experiences of pain and oppression can make us feel entitled to focus solely on ourselves, but the mandate to love the stranger challenges us to nurture empathy instead. Despite our struggles, we are called to never abandon those who are vulnerable or in pain.
The commandment to love the stranger may seem to address large geopolitical conflicts, but it also speaks to us individually at the most intimate levels. The author, who experienced loss and abandonment as a child, grapples with conflicting impulses to focus on their own pain or to empathize with others who suffer. The Exodus story serves as a reminder that our own vulnerabilities should make us more compassionate towards the vulnerable, regardless of their background or circumstances.
The mandate to love the stranger carries both individual and communal dimensions, emphasizing the importance of caring for both our own community and those beyond. While rooted in Jewish tradition, this commandment is universal and extends to all of humanity. Instead of succumbing to indifference or hate in the face of suffering, we are urged to let our memories and experiences of pain teach us empathy and love.
Despite the temptation to turn inward and prioritize our own needs above all else, we are reminded to resist this urge and instead cultivate a deeper sense of compassion for others. By acknowledging our own suffering and using it as a springboard for empathy, we can work towards building a more just and caring society. The mandate to love the stranger serves as a powerful reminder that our experiences of pain can be transformed into a source of love and solidarity with others.
In a world marked by division and conflict, the call to love the stranger challenges us to transcend boundaries and extend compassion to those who are different from us. By embracing this commandment and letting our suffering teach us love, we can create a more inclusive and compassionate society. Ultimately, the path of empathy and understanding towards others, especially in the face of suffering, can pave the way for healing and reconciliation in a world that is often divided by pain and strife.
