“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in.” – Matthew 25:35
Welcoming Refugees
In our Christian walk, we are often called to show hospitality to those who seek refuge. Welcoming refugees is not just a good deed; it is a divine command. By opening our hearts and doors to those in need, we reflect the love of Christ. When we remember that Jesus Himself was a refugee, we can empathize with their struggle. Let us be reminded that every welcomed stranger is a blessing, and in serving them, we serve Christ.
Hebrews 13:2
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” – Hebrews 13:2
Leviticus 19:34
“The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.” – Leviticus 19:34
Romans 15:7
“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” – Romans 15:7
Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’” – Matthew 25:40
1 Peter 4:9
“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” – 1 Peter 4:9
God’s Compassion for Refugees
God’s heart for the displaced is evident throughout Scripture. His compassion isn’t limited to a select group; it extends to all who suffer. By acknowledging our shared humanity, we can act on His behalf, showing love and kindness to refugees. God calls us to reflect His love, which is tender and understanding towards those who face hardship. Let’s immerse ourselves in His compassion, becoming instruments of kindness.
Psalms 146:9
“The LORD watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.” – Psalms 146:9
Deuteronomy 10:18
“He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.” – Deuteronomy 10:18
Isaiah 58:7
“Is it not to share your food with the hungry and to provide the poor wanderer with shelter—when you see the naked, to clothe them, and not to turn away from your own flesh and blood?” – Isaiah 58:7
Jeremiah 22:3
“This is what the LORD says: ‘Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do not mistreat or oppress the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow. And do not shed innocent blood in this place.’” – Jeremiah 22:3
Matthew 9:36
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” – Matthew 9:36
Prayer for Refugees
As we reflect on our call to care for refugees, we must infuse our actions with prayer. It is in prayer that we gain strength and wisdom to support those who are suffering. Through prayer, we can intercede on their behalf and ask God to guide our hearts. Let us consistently lift refugees in prayer, asking for their safety, peace, and the provision of their needs. Our prayers can bring comfort and hope.
Philippians 4:6-7
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 4:6-7
1 Thessalonians 5:17
“Pray continually.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16
Colossians 4:2
“Devote yourselves to prayer, being watchful and thankful.” – Colossians 4:2
Jeremiah 29:12
“Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you.” – Jeremiah 29:12
Providing for Refugees
Meeting the physical needs of refugees is critical in showing them the love of Christ. We examine what we can do to help provide food, shelter, and support for those who lack basic necessities. This can be through donations, volunteering, or simply offering our resources. As we serve refugees, we not only provide for their needs but also display the love and generosity that God has shown us. Together, we can make a difference.
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the LORD, and he will reward them for what they have done.” – Proverbs 19:17
2 Corinthians 9:7
“Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7
Matthew 6:3-4
“But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing, so that your giving may be in secret. Then your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” – Matthew 6:3-4
Acts 20:35
“In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” – Acts 20:35
Isaiah 58:10
“And if you spend yourselves in behalf of the hungry and satisfy the needs of the oppressed, then your light will rise in the darkness and your night will become like the noonday.” – Isaiah 58:10
Empowering Refugees
Empowerment goes beyond just giving aid. It includes uplifting refugees and helping them find their footing. We recognize the importance of providing them with skills, education, and opportunities. By investing time and resources into their futures, we help them to not only survive but thrive. Let us approach empowering refugees with grace and understanding, helping them to rebuild their lives and fulfill their potential.
Proverbs 31:9
“Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” – Proverbs 31:9
Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” – Luke 6:38
Ephesians 4:28
“Anyone who has been stealing must steal no longer, but must work, doing something useful with their own hands, that they may have something to share with those in need.” – Ephesians 4:28
Proverbs 22:9
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” – Proverbs 22:9
Acts 4:32
“All the believers were one in heart and mind. No one claimed that any of their possessions was their own, but they shared everything they had.” – Acts 4:32
Sharing Stories of Refugees
Every refugee has a story, a testament to resilience and courage. Sharing these stories not only humanizes the issue but can also inspire and mobilize communities. As we listen to and share the experiences of refugees, we foster understanding and compassion. Stories remind us of the importance of community and the shared struggle for dignity and hope. Together, let us become advocates for the voiceless.
Proverbs 12:25
“Anxiety weighs down the heart, but a kind word cheers it up.” – Proverbs 12:25
Revelation 12:11
“They triumphed over him by the blood of the Lamb and by the word of their testimony; they did not love their lives so much as to shrink from death.” – Revelation 12:11
Romans 10:14
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” – Romans 10:14
1 John 1:3
“We proclaim to you what we have seen and heard, so that you also may have fellowship with us. And our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.” – 1 John 1:3
Psalms 78:4
“We will not hide them from their descendants; we will tell the next generation the praiseworthy deeds of the LORD, his power, and the wonders he has done.” – Psalms 78:4
Final Thoughts
As we dive into the topic of refugees, we realize how vital it is to show compassion and love. We are called to welcome them, making our communities a safe haven for those in distress. Through prayer, support, and empowerment, we can light the way for the lost and provide a sense of hope and refuge.
By sharing their stories and understanding their journeys, we expand our hearts and foster unity among us. Together, as one body of Christ, we can create change. Let us be the hands and feet of Jesus to those in need.
For more insight into God’s word related to how we treat immigrants and strangers, explore the passages about foreigners in your land and the challenges of foreigners assimilating in a new country.