The Bible teaches us about love, inclusion, and the importance of treating others with kindness and respect. God’s Word warns against the dangers of excluding others, whether out of pride, judgment, or selfishness. Jesus demonstrated through His life and ministry that no one should be cast aside, and He calls His followers to embrace those whom society might reject. Here are Bible verses that highlight the importance of welcoming others rather than excluding them.
Also Read: Bible Verses About Finding Fault in Others
God’s Love Extends to Everyone
God’s love knows no boundaries, and He calls us to reflect that same love toward others. The Bible reminds us that we are all created in His image, and no one should be excluded from the grace and kindness of the Lord. Exclusion often comes from human pride, but God’s heart is always open to those who seek Him. Here are some verses that emphasize the inclusive love of God.
Romans 2:11
“For God does not show favoritism.”
John 3:16
“For this is how God loved the world: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.”
Acts 10:34-35
“Then Peter replied, ‘I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. In every nation he accepts those who fear him and do what is right.'”
Galatians 3:28
“There is no longer Jew or Gentile, slave or free, male and female. For you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
1 Timothy 2:4
“He wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth.”
Jesus Welcomed the Outcasts
Jesus set the ultimate example of inclusivity. He spent time with sinners, tax collectors, and those who were rejected by society. Instead of turning them away, He showed them love, grace, and the opportunity for transformation. As followers of Christ, we are called to do the same and not exclude others based on their past or circumstances.
Luke 5:31-32
“Jesus answered them, ‘Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.'”
Mark 2:16-17
“But when the teachers of religious law who were Pharisees saw him eating with tax collectors and other sinners, they asked his disciples, ‘Why does he eat with such scum?’ When Jesus heard this, he told them, ‘Healthy people don’t need a doctor—sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.'”
Matthew 9:13
“Then he added, ‘Now go and learn the meaning of this Scripture: ‘I want you to show mercy, not offer sacrifices.’ For I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners.'”
Luke 19:10
“For the Son of Man came to seek and save those who are lost.”
John 8:7
“They kept demanding an answer, so he stood up again and said, ‘All right, but let the one who has never sinned throw the first stone!'”
Exclusion is Against God’s Command
God’s Word commands us to love others as ourselves, without favoritism or exclusion. When we choose to reject or exclude others, we are acting against God’s will. He calls us to extend kindness, mercy, and compassion, regardless of differences.
James 2:1
“My dear brothers and sisters, how can you claim to have faith in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ if you favor some people over others?”
Leviticus 19:34
“Treat them like native-born Israelites, and love them as you love yourself. Remember that you were once foreigners living in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”
Matthew 25:40
“And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth, when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!'”
1 John 4:20
“If someone says, ‘I love God,’ but hates a fellow believer, that person is a liar; for if we don’t love people we can see, how can we love God, whom we cannot see?”
Proverbs 14:31
“Those who oppress the poor insult their Maker, but helping the poor honors him.”
Do Not Judge or Reject Others
The Bible warns against judging others unfairly or rejecting them based on personal biases. We are all sinners in need of God’s grace, and He calls us to extend that same grace to others.
Matthew 7:1
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged.”
Luke 6:37
“Do not judge others, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn others, or it will all come back against you. Forgive others, and you will be forgiven.”
Romans 14:13
“So let’s stop condemning each other. Decide instead to live in such a way that you will not cause another believer to stumble and fall.”
1 Corinthians 4:5
“So don’t make judgments about anyone ahead of time—before the Lord returns. For he will bring our darkest secrets to light and will reveal our private motives. Then God will give to each one whatever praise is due.”
James 4:11
“Don’t speak evil against each other, dear brothers and sisters. If you criticize and judge each other, then you are criticizing and judging God’s law.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Taking Advantage of Others
Welcoming Others Reflects Christ’s Heart
As followers of Jesus, we are called to embody His love and compassion by welcoming others. Christ never turned away those who came to Him in faith. When we embrace others, regardless of their background, we reflect His grace and demonstrate the heart of God.
Hebrews 13:2
“Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it!”
Matthew 10:40
“Anyone who receives you receives me, and anyone who receives me receives the Father who sent me.”
Romans 15:7
“Therefore, accept each other just as Christ has accepted you so that God will be given glory.”
1 Peter 4:9
“Cheerfully share your home with those who need a meal or a place to stay.”
Luke 14:13-14
“Instead, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind. Then at the resurrection of the righteous, God will reward you for inviting those who could not repay you.”
Division is Not from God
God desires unity among His people, and division is often a tool of the enemy to create discord. The Bible warns against behaviors that cause separation and urges believers to strive for peace and reconciliation.
1 Corinthians 1:10
“I appeal to you, dear brothers and sisters, by the authority of our Lord Jesus Christ, to live in harmony with each other. Let there be no divisions in the church. Rather, be of one mind, united in thought and purpose.”
Titus 3:10
“If people are causing divisions among you, give a first and second warning. After that, have nothing more to do with them.”
Colossians 3:13-14
“Make allowance for each other’s faults, and forgive anyone who offends you. Remember, the Lord forgave you, so you must forgive others. Above all, clothe yourselves with love, which binds us all together in perfect harmony.”
Romans 16:17
“And now I make one more appeal, my dear brothers and sisters. Watch out for people who cause divisions and upset people’s faith by teaching things contrary to what you have been taught. Stay away from them.”
Ephesians 4:3
“Make every effort to keep yourselves united in the Spirit, binding yourselves together with peace.”
God Calls Us to Love Without Exclusion
Love is at the heart of the Christian faith. True love does not exclude, judge, or reject others based on status, background, or past mistakes. The Bible commands us to love as God loves—fully, unconditionally, and without favoritism.
1 John 3:18
“Dear children, let’s not merely say that we love each other; let us show the truth by our actions.”
Luke 6:32-33
“If you love only those who love you, why should you get credit for that? Even sinners love those who love them! And if you do good only to those who do good to you, why should you get credit? Even sinners do that much!”
Matthew 22:39
“A second is equally important: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
1 Corinthians 13:4-5
“Love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.”
John 13:34-35
“So now I am giving you a new commandment: Love each other. Just as I have loved you, you should love each other. Your love for one another will prove to the world that you are my disciples.”