“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
The Call to Love Strangers
We learn from the Bible that our love should extend beyond our friends and family, reaching out to strangers and foreigners. The call to love is a central theme, and it emphasizes that we are all worthy of compassion and understanding. This command reinforces the importance of treating strangers with kindness, reminding us of our own experiences and journeys. When we consider how we would want to be treated in a new and unfamiliar place, it enables us to extend that same grace to others. By welcoming foreigners, we exemplify the love of Christ, showing that we can be a safe haven. Our purpose in following this call is remarkably tied to the heart of God, who is always welcoming and inviting individuals into His family.
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
Deuteronomy 10:19
“And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.” – Deuteronomy 10:19
Exodus 22:21
“Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.” – Exodus 22:21
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
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
The Importance of Hospitality
As we reflect on welcoming foreigners, we find that hospitality holds a special place in our hearts. It is a principle that transcends cultural barriers, inviting us to step outside our comfort zones and embrace those who may feel lost or alone. Throughout the Bible, we encounter calls to open our homes and our hearts to others. It is about creating environments where people feel valued and respected, a sanctuary for those seeking refuge. By practicing hospitality, we demonstrate tangible love, allowing us to embody the teachings of Jesus and manifest His love in our lives. This practice is not merely about food and shelter, but it is a rich expression of community and connection. Engaging with others, especially foreigners, broadens our understanding and fosters unity within diversity.
1 Peter 4:9
“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” – 1 Peter 4:9
Romans 12:13
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” – Romans 12:13
Titus 1:8
“Rather he must be hospitable, one who loves what is good, who is self-controlled, upright, holy and disciplined.” – Titus 1:8
Job 31:32
“But no stranger had to spend the night in the street, for my door was always open to the traveler.” – Job 31:32
Luke 14:13
“But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind.” – Luke 14:13
Welcoming foreigners goes hand in hand with caring for the marginalized and those in vulnerable situations. The Bible repeatedly emphasizes God’s heart for the poor, orphans, and the alien. We are reminded that our faith should manifest in actions that uplift and support those around us. By opening our eyes and hearts to the plight of foreigners, we contribute to their dignity and honor by listening to their stories and meeting their needs. Loving our neighbors, particularly those who feel neglected or overlooked, is not only a gift to them but also a transformative act for us. We become vessels of hope and encouragement, demonstrating that our faith is alive and impactful in the lives of others.
Zechariah 7:10
“Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.” – Zechariah 7:10
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
Luke 10:36-37
“Which of these three do you think was a neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of robbers? The expert in the law replied, ‘The one who had mercy on him.’ Jesus told him, ‘Go and do likewise.'” – Luke 10:36-37
Matthew 5:7
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” – Matthew 5:7
Proverbs 31:8-9
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” – Proverbs 31:8-9
In order to welcome foreigners successfully, understanding their experiences and showing empathy is essential. Many foreigners face unique challenges, and our willingness to listen and learn can bridge significant gaps in communication and connection. As Christians, we can reflect the heart of God by actively engaging with those who come from different backgrounds and cultures. This can help us cultivate friendships and relationships where everyone feels valued and included. Through genuine empathy, we are called to create spaces where stories are shared, and differences are celebrated. Through this understanding, we can genuinely make a difference in someone else’s life.
Philippians 2:4
“Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippians 2:4
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
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
1 John 3:18
“Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18
Romans 15:7
“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” – Romans 15:7
Welcoming foreigners reminds us that we are all part of one human family, created in the image of God. Recognizing our shared humanity helps to break down walls that may exist among different cultures and communities. The Bible teaches us that regardless of our backgrounds, we are all called to love one another. Encouraging us to embrace diversity while celebrating our common ground, the Lord prompts us to act upon this truth. By extending kindness and acceptance to others, we reflect God’s character and reveal the beauty found in unity. Together, we can create a community where everyone belongs and thrives, affirming that there is strength in our differences.
Genesis 1:26
“Then God said, ‘Let us make mankind in our image, in our likeness.'” – Genesis 1:26
Acts 10:34-35
“Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.'” – Acts 10:34-35
Galatians 3:28
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” – Galatians 3:28
John 13:34
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.” – John 13:34
Revelation 7:9
“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” – Revelation 7:9
Welcoming foreigners brings about countless blessings, both for those who are welcomed and for us as hosts. As we share resources, wisdom, and love, we can experience true community and mutual growth. The Bible tells us that generosity is richly rewarded and that kindness will be repaid. These blessings can manifest in many forms, whether in relationships built, knowledge gained, or the sheer joy of serving others. Our willingness to extend ourselves opens the door to beautiful connections and encourages a spirit of acceptance and collaboration. By welcoming others in our midst, we find ourselves stretched and enriched in ways that reflect God’s generous heart and grace.
Proverbs 11:25
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” – Proverbs 11:25
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
2 Corinthians 9:11
“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” – 2 Corinthians 9:11
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
Galatians 6:9
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” – Galatians 6:9
Final Thoughts
Welcoming foreigners is an incredible part of our Christian calling. Through love, hospitality, and understanding, we can create an environment that mirrors the love of Jesus. Every scripture guides us to treat others with kindness and empathy, emphasizing our shared humanity. As we strive to open our hearts and homes, we cultivate connections that can profoundly impact both parties. It is by loving those who may be different from us that we truly experience God’s heart and blessings.
As we contemplate these lessons, let’s remember that love is not simply a word but an action rooted in our faith. Our everyday actions can reflect the welcoming spirit of Christ, encouraging us to serve others and lift one another as a family united in Christ. We can take comfort in knowing that in loving others, we also grow, rejoice, and thrive together as His children.
Encourage yourself further by exploring topics like love in Christ or the power of our faith.