The foreigners 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
Understanding Our Responsibility
As Christians, we are called to open our hearts and homes to those who find themselves displaced. The need for sheltering refugees is a moral calling given to us by God, as expressed through His teachings in the Bible. When we embrace our duty to support these individuals, we reflect the compassion of Christ. It is an act of love that draws us closer to God, as we fulfill the command to treat others as we wish to be treated. By sheltering refugees, we play a role in God’s plan, demonstrating His love and grace. In our hearts, we recognize that every act of kindness is worth it in the eyes of God, and we become instruments of His peace and hope.
Leviticus 19:34
The foreigners 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
Matthew 25:35
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
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
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
Psalm 146:9
The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked. – Psalm 146:9
Empathy and Compassion
When opening our homes to refugees, we practice empathy and compassion like Jesus would. Our own experiences can guide us to connect deeply with those seeking shelter. Every refugee has their own story of loss, courage, and hope, which challenges us to love without boundaries. We are reminded that Jesus himself was a refugee when He and His family fled to Egypt. If Jesus showed compassion to the weary and oppressed, we, too, must reach out with open arms. By practicing kindness, we cultivate a community that reflects God’s love, reminding each other of our shared humanity.
Micah 6:8
He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. – Micah 6:8
Romans 12:13
Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality. – Romans 12:13
Proverbs 31:8
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. – Proverbs 31:8
1 John 3:17
If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? – 1 John 3:17
Galatians 6:2
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2
Generosity in Action
Generosity opens doors for those in need. By sheltering refugees, we showcase a spirit of giving in action. God blessed us with abundance so we can extend that to those lacking basic necessities. We understand that sheltering refugees may require us to sacrifice time, resources, or comfort. Yet, through our generosity, we are aligning ourselves with Christ’s heart. Each act, big or small, can create ripples of change in the lives of vulnerable individuals. And in return, we receive blessings of our own through the joy of service—a classic reflection of God’s love in action.
Proverbs 22:9
The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor. – Proverbs 22:9
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
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
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
Philippians 4:19
And my God will meet all your needs according to the riches of his glory in Christ Jesus. – Philippians 4:19
Welcoming the Stranger
Refugees often face uncertainty and fear while seeking asylum. When we choose to welcome the stranger, we build bridges instead of walls. Our congregations can create a safe haven, reminding them that they are not alone. Acceptance breaks down barriers and cultivates a spirit of unity. We are encouraged to display kindness and generosity, reflecting the character of Christ. When we open our doors, we create opportunities to form connections, share experiences, and let love rebuild the brokenness in others’ lives. By choosing to welcome the stranger, we truly embody God’s love.
Romans 15:7
Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God. – Romans 15:7
1 Peter 4:9
Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling. – 1 Peter 4:9
Ephesians 2:19
Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household. – Ephesians 2:19
Matthew 18:20
For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them. – Matthew 18:20
Colossians 3:12
Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. – Colossians 3:12
Justice and Protection
Our call to shelter refugees also demands a commitment to justice and protection. We stand firm against injustices that displace individuals from their homes. We can work to advocate for fairness, rights, and safety for refugees in distress. The Lord commands us to act justly and protect those who are vulnerable. Our voices hold power when we unite for the sake of others, reminding authorities to uphold human dignity. The Bible teaches us to fight for justice, reflecting God’s heart for the oppressed. By embracing this responsibility, we fulfill our role as advocates for a better world, following the path of Christ.
Isaiah 1:17
Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. – Isaiah 1:17
Psalm 82:3
Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed. – Psalm 82:3
Zechariah 7:10
Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not scheme against each other. – Zechariah 7:10
Psalm 34:18
The Lord is close to the brokenhearted and saves those who are crushed in spirit. – Psalm 34:18
James 1:27
Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world. – James 1:27
Faith Through Action
Faith is more than words; it is shown through our actions. When we choose to shelter refugees, we live out our faith in both challenging and transformative ways. Every gesture of love and support speaks volumes about our relationship with God. Jesus exemplified how to love through service, leading us to act justly and with compassion. Our actions become a testimony, showcasing the love and mercy of Christ. As we step forward and reach out to those in need, we reaffirm our commitment to God’s plan. It is through faith and action that lives are changed and hearts are healed.
Matthew 7:12
So in everything, do to others what you would have them do to you, for this sums up the Law and the Prophets. – Matthew 7:12
John 3:18
Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth. – John 3:18
Galatians 5:13
You, my brothers and sisters, were called to be free. But do not use your freedom to indulge the flesh; rather, serve one another humbly in love. – Galatians 5:13
Mark 12:31
The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these. – Mark 12:31
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. – Ephesians 4:32
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the call to shelter refugees, it’s clear that this is not merely an option but a divine command. We are reminded through God’s word that our responsibility is to care for those who find themselves displaced and in need. Let us embrace our duty with compassion, generosity, and justice, understanding that in doing so, we often welcome Christ himself. It is through our actions that we showcase faith in motion, bringing hope and healing to those suffering.
We can find many ways to reach out and support those seeking shelter. By sharing kindness, we foster a community where everyone feels valued and loved. Let us not forget that every small act of love contributes to a larger purpose, reflecting God’s grace and mercy in the world.
Let’s continue to uplift one another as we grow in faith and service. For those seeking guidance on how to further support refugees, consider exploring topics on foreigners in your land and foreigners assimilation. Together, we can make a difference, inspired by God’s unwavering love.