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, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me. – Matthew 25:35-36
Bible Verses About Including Everyone
Love for All Neighbors
As followers of Christ, we are called to love everyone without exception. This love is not limited by boundaries, appearances, or past misunderstandings. We can share kindness and compassion with those around us, just as Jesus taught us. It is fundamental for us to include everyone in our sphere of love, welcoming both friends and strangers alike. When we act lovingly, we reflect the love God has shown us. We should actively look for ways to reach out and make others feel valued and included. This is the heart of our Christian duty, to be a light through our love.
Mark 12:31
The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these. – Mark 12:31
Luke 6:31
Do to others as you would have them do to you. – Luke 6:31
Romans 13:10
Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. – Romans 13:10
Galatians 5:14
For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ – Galatians 5:14
James 2:8
If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right. – James 2:8
Welcoming the Outcast
Jesus exemplified the essence of including everyone, especially those who were marginalized or seen as unworthy by society. He reached out to the outcast and the sinner, offering acceptance and hope. Our call as Christians is to follow His example, making a place for those who feel alienated or unwelcome. Every person we encounter is deserving of our kindness and respect. By doing this, we create a community that shines as a testament of God’s unconditional love.
Matthew 9:10-12
While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples. When the Pharisees saw this, they asked his disciples, “Why does your teacher eat with tax collectors and sinners?” On hearing this, Jesus said, “It is not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick.” – Matthew 9:10-12
Luke 14:13
But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind. – Luke 14:13
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 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 John 4:20
Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. – 1 John 4:20
Serving One Another
Including everyone also means recognizing our role to serve one another. Serving involves reaching out to those in need and valuing their contributions. Through service, we connect with others and display God’s grace through our actions. When we engage in acts of service, we help to foster a sense of unity and community. We must remind ourselves that every act of service, big or small, contributes to the well-being of our neighbors and fellow believers.
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
1 Peter 4:10
Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms. – 1 Peter 4:10
Philippians 2:4
Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others. – Philippians 2:4
Matthew 20:28
Just as the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many. – Matthew 20:28
Luke 22:27
For who is greater, the one who is at the table or the one who serves? Is it not the one who is at the table? But I am among you as one who serves. – Luke 22:27
Unity in Diversity
Our faith calls us to embrace diversity while promoting unity among all believers. Each person brings unique qualities, talents, and experiences to our community. By appreciating our differences, we can include everyone in a way that honors God. It is through our unity in Christ that we model His teachings and witness to the world. Emphasizing our shared identity in Christ encourages us to embrace others, regardless of their background, forging a bond this world greatly needs.
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
Ephesians 4:3
Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace. – Ephesians 4:3
Colossians 3:11
Here there is no Gentile or Jew, neither circumcised nor uncircumcised, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. – Colossians 3:11
Romans 12:4-5
For just as each of us has one body with many members, and these members do not all have the same function, so in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others. – Romans 12:4-5
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
Bridging Differences
Including everyone also involves bridging the gaps that can sometimes separate us. We can face barriers that stem from cultural, social, or personal differences. However, as believers, we are empowered to overcome those obstacles with God’s love. When we approach different perspectives with an open heart, we create opportunities to learn and grow together. It’s about breaking down fences and building bridges, inviting everyone into the family of God regardless of their past or current circumstances.
2 Corinthians 5:18
All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation. – 2 Corinthians 5:18
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. – Ephesians 4:32
James 1:19
My dear brothers and sisters, take note of this: Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak and slow to become angry. – James 1:19
Romans 14:19
Let us therefore make every effort to do what leads to peace and to mutual edification. – Romans 14:19
Galatians 6:2
Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ. – Galatians 6:2
The Call to Action
Including everyone is not just a concept, but a call to action. We are to actively seek ways of including others in our lives. It can be as simple as offering a kind word or providing a listening ear. Every little action counts as we endeavor to reflect the love of Christ. Consider how we can become more intentional about our relationships and outreach, promoting an inclusive mindset in our hearts and communities. We can be the hands and feet of Jesus in every situation we encounter.
Matthew 5:16
In the same way, let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven. – Matthew 5:16
1 Thessalonians 5:11
Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing. – 1 Thessalonians 5:11
Hebrews 10:24-25
And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching. – Hebrews 10:24-25
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
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
Final Thoughts
Including everyone is a fundamental aspect of our Christian faith. We are called to love all people, welcoming them into our lives without bias. Whether it is through service, embracing diversity, or bridging differences, our mission remains clear. We can shine the light of Christ by being intentional in our actions, lifting each other up, and creating communities that thrive on inclusion.
As we go about our days, let’s keep in mind the importance of reaching out and including those around us. Remember, every person has value and a story worth hearing. So let’s engage in the beautiful task of loving each other generously and faithfully. When we do this, we not only brighten our own lives but also the lives of those around us.
If you are interested in learning more, be sure to explore ways to embrace our calling, such as studying Romans 15:1-7 or reflecting on Luke 14:7-14. Each of these passages encourages us to live out our faith with love and inclusion.