14. Love Converts Pt. 1

The 14th commandment of Mosaic Law is to love converts.  

Where in scripture?

Deuteronomy  10:19

So you too must befriend the alien, for you were once aliens yourselves in the land of Egypt.

Discussion:

According to Wikipedia, the Hebrew word ger is translated to “alien” in Deuteronomy 10:19.  The article quotes author Marc Angel as stating, “The Hebrew ger (in post-Biblical times translated as "proselyte") literally means "stranger" and refers to a non-Israelite who lived among the Israelite community. When the Torah commands compassion and equal justice for the ger, it is referring to these "strangers." But Rabbinic tradition interpreted the word ger as also referring to proselytes..."   

Jewish tradition therefore interprets Deuteronomy 10:19 as a requirement for Jews to love converts.

As we discussed in the last post, Matthew 22:39 says, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.”

Converts, of course, are included in this commandment.  The origin of Christianity and its growth has been based upon converts.

Converts to Catholicism tend to come to the Church only after several years of research and inquiry. As a result, they tend to be much better catechized and devout than most cradle Catholics. It would be difficult not to love and respect them.

Conclusion:

Binding on Christians