“When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them.” – Leviticus 19:33
Welcoming the Stranger
As Christians, we are called to embrace those who come from different places and backgrounds. The Bible encourages us to welcome the stranger among us, reminding us that we too were once outsiders in need of love and support. By opening our hearts and homes to refugees, we reflect God’s love and compassion for all people. This act of embracing the stranger can transform our communities and enrich our lives, reminding us of the shared humanity that binds us together. When we welcome those in need, we echo the teachings of Christ and fulfill our calling to love our neighbors as ourselves.
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
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
Matthew 18:5
“And whoever welcomes one such child in my name welcomes me.” – Matthew 18:5
God’s Call to Care
Caring for refugees is not just a suggestion; it is a divine command that we see throughout Scripture. God calls us to show compassion and love, especially to those who are most vulnerable and in need. As we reflect on our blessings and the security we enjoy, it calls us to action. God’s heart is for the poor and the marginalized, and when we take time to listen and respond, we are being the hands and feet of Christ in our world. We are reminded that caring for those in dire situations aligns us with God’s intentions for humanity and seeks justice and mercy in our lives.
Isaiah 58:6
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” – Isaiah 58:6
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
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
Zecharaiah 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
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
Understanding Our Shared Humanity
We often forget that our stories are intertwined with those who find themselves as refugees. Our human experience is filled with struggles and triumphs, and by recognizing our shared humanity, we cultivate empathy and compassion. It is vital for us to see the faces of those who are seeking refuge and remember that we too may one day seek help. As we welcome others, we strengthen our communities and give people hope. God calls us to see every person as part of His family, deserving of love, dignity, and respect.
Acts 17:26
“From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.” – Acts 17:26
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
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10
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
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
Living Out the Gospel
Taking in refugees allows us to live out the Gospel in a practical way. Jesus exemplified selflessness and love during His time on earth, and we are called to reflect that in our daily lives. Welcoming those seeking refuge not only meets their physical needs but also reveals God’s love through our actions. The way we treat the least among us speaks volumes about our faith and commitment to living as Christ did. As we extend hospitality, we embody the true spirit of love, justice, and mercy that Christ represented.
Luke 6:31
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” – Luke 6:31
1 Peter 4:9
“Offer hospitality to one another without grumbling.” – 1 Peter 4:9
Philippians 2:3
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.” – Philippians 2:3
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 10:42
“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” – Matthew 10:42
Seeking Justice and Mercy
Standing up for refugees is also about advocating for justice and mercy. We see throughout the Bible God’s desire for justice, particularly for those who are marginalized and oppressed. As we take in refugees, we not only provide physical shelter but also advocate for their rights and dignity. This allows us to speak out against injustice and create a better world for everyone. Our voices have the power to bring about change, and by seeking justice and mercy, we align ourselves with God’s heart for the oppressed and downtrodden.
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
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
Proverbs 31:8
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.” – Proverbs 31:8
Matthew 5:7
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” – Matthew 5:7
Luke 4:18
“The Spirit of the Lord is on me, because he has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to set the oppressed free.” – Luke 4:18
Building Community
When we take in refugees, we strengthen our communities and create bonds that span cultures and backgrounds. Our ecclesiastical community expands, reminding us that God’s family is rich in diversity and unity. Embracing refugees allows us to learn from one another and grow in understanding. Together, we can create a vibrant community filled with compassion and love, where everyone feels valued and included. We are called to be instruments of peace, fostering an environment where everyone can thrive and share their unique contributions.
Philippians 1:5
“Because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” – Philippians 1:5
Romans 15:7
“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” – Romans 15:7
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
2 Corinthians 5:17
“Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here!” – 2 Corinthians 5:17
1 Corinthians 12:12
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 12:12
Final Thoughts
Taking in refugees is a beautiful expression of our faith and a vital component of living out the Gospel. It’s about opening our hearts, homes, and communities to those in need. Through Scriptures, we learn that welcoming the stranger is not merely a personal choice but a divine calling. As we show love and compassion to refugees, we find ourselves enriched by their stories and cultures.
By understanding our shared humanity, advocating for justice, and living out mercy, we embody Christ’s teachings. Together, we can make a real difference, turning our communities into places of acceptance and support, making space for everyone. Let’s embrace God’s call to care for those who come seeking refuge, breaking down walls and building bonds that reflect Christ’s love for all.
If you’re inspired to delve deeper into related topics, check out these links for valuable insights on how we can better understand and support our neighbors- foreigners in your land and foreigners’ assimilation in a new country. Together, let’s create a world that truly reflects the love and compassion of Christ.