“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” – Hebrews 13:2
God’s Call to Hospitality
Welcoming migrants isn’t just a suggestion; it’s a calling from God. As Christians, we are reminded to practice hospitality towards those who are different from us. This hospitality reflects God’s love for us as His children. By welcoming migrants, we fulfill our duty to care for others—reminding ourselves that love knows no borders. When we open our hearts and homes, we carry out God’s command to love our neighbors and to create a warm, welcoming community.
Romans 12:13
“Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” – Romans 12:13
1 Peter 4:9
“Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” – 1 Peter 4:9
Leviticus 19:34
“You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.” – Leviticus 19:34
Luke 14:13
“But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind.” – Luke 14:13
Matthew 25:35
“For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” – Matthew 25:35
Embracing Our Neighbors
Welcoming migrants goes beyond just opening our doors; it means embracing our neighbors as fellow human beings deserving of love and compassion. Every person who comes into our lives has a story, and when we reach out with kindness, we join them on their journey. Each act of love creates a ripple effect that encourages us to build a community based on trust and understanding. Let us remember that everyone is made in God’s image, and to welcome migrants is to welcome the diversity that enriches our lives.
Galatians 6:2
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Philippians 2:4
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:4
Colossians 3:12
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” – Colossians 3:12
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Romans 15:7
“Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” – Romans 15:7
God’s Love Knows No Borders
As followers of Christ, we are called to express God’s love in a world laden with division. It is our responsibility to reach out to those who may feel alone or unwelcome. Welcoming migrants allows us to demonstrate the love that transcends all boundaries, languages, and cultures. Through acts of kindness, we reflect God’s heart for the marginalized, and our communities flourish in love and acceptance. By opening our hearts and minds, we build bridges instead of walls, allowing God’s grace to work through us.
John 13:34
“A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another.” – John 13:34
1 John 3:17
“But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him?” – 1 John 3:17
Matthew 28:19
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.” – Matthew 28:19
Mark 12:31
“You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” – Mark 12:31
Acts 10:34-35
“So Peter opened his mouth and said: ‘Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.'” – Acts 10:34-35
Making a Difference Through Love
Every time we welcome migrants, we are making a difference in their lives and our own. We create an atmosphere of love and acceptance that fosters community engagement. It’s an opportunity for us to learn new perspectives, cultures, and experiences. It allows us to fulfill the command to love others as Christ loves us. Each small act of kindness can lead to a bigger impact, and our communities can flourish when we submit to God’s call to love. Let’s commit to making our world a more loving place, one act at a time.
James 2:15-16
“If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that?” – James 2:15-16
Isaiah 58:10
“If you pour yourself out for the hungry and satisfy the desire of the afflicted, then shall your light rise in the darkness and your gloom be as the noonday.” – Isaiah 58:10
Matthew 5:16
“In the same way, let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” – Matthew 5:16
2 Corinthians 9:7
“Each one must give as he has decided in his heart, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.” – 2 Corinthians 9:7
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” – Proverbs 19:17
Unity in Diversity
When we welcome migrants, we embrace the diversity that God has created. Our communities become richer, more vibrant, and more reflective of the body of Christ. Unity in diversity is a beautiful thing as it allows us to see God’s handiwork in various cultures and customs. Together, we can learn from our differences and grow in our understanding of one another. This unity strengthens our faith and allows us to fulfill God’s mission in a broader way. Let’s welcome those who bring their unique experiences and perspectives into our lives.
Revelation 7:9
“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” – Revelation 7:9
1 Corinthians 12:12
“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 12:12
Galatians 3:28
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” – Galatians 3:28
Colossians 3:11
“Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.” – Colossians 3:11
Philippians 1:27
“Only let your manner of life be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of you that you are standing firm in one spirit, with one mind striving side by side for the faith of the gospel.” – Philippians 1:27
Our Role as Light and Salt
As Christ’s followers, we are called to be the light and salt of the earth. This means that we should stand out in our communities through our actions and attitudes towards welcoming migrants. By showing love and kindness, we exemplify the teachings of Christ. Each of us has a role, whether it’s in our neighborhoods or broader communities, to make an impact. Our light shines brighter when we live out our faith through compassionate acts. Welcoming those who come into our lives is a powerful testimony of our love for Christ.
Matthew 5:13
“You are the salt of the earth, but if the salt has lost its taste, how shall its saltiness be restored? It is no longer good for anything except to be thrown out and trampled under people’s feet.” – Matthew 5:13
Matthew 5:14
“You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.” – Matthew 5:14
Ephesians 5:8
“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk as children of light.” – Ephesians 5:8
Philippians 2:15
“That you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world.” – Philippians 2:15
1 Thessalonians 5:11
“Therefore encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Final Thoughts
Welcoming migrants is not just a kind act; it’s a crucial part of living out our Christian faith. Throughout the Bible, we see the emphasis on hospitality, love, and respect for others. We understand that each individual represents a unique part of God’s creation, deserving of love regardless of their background. Our commitment to hospitality can transform our communities, fostering an environment filled with understanding and acceptance.
As we continue to cultivate an attitude of openness and love, we truly fulfill our calling as followers of Christ. Every person we encounter is an opportunity for connection and growth. Mathew 25:35 encourages us to center our actions on Christ’s teachings and show kindness to all, especially to those who may feel out of place.
Let us carry the message of love, reminding ourselves to embrace the diversity around us while forming genuine relationships. By doing so, we can be a part of God’s mission for unity, hope, and acceptance. If you are inspired by this message, feel free to explore other topics in the Bible that deepen our understanding of love, such as 1 John 4:21 or 1 John 4:0.