“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
Bible Verses About Sheltering Refugees
God’s Call to Compassion
As believers, we are called to show compassion to others, especially those who are vulnerable. Sheltering refugees aligns with God’s desire for us to care for the stranger. It reminds us to open our hearts and homes to those in need. Through acts of love and kindness, we reflect God’s heart. Let us be encouraged to respond to God’s call to support and provide for refugees, recognizing that this is part of our Christian duty as we walk in His footsteps.
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
Matthew 5:7
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” – Matthew 5:7
Luke 6:31
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” – Luke 6:31
James 2:15-16
“Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?” – James 2:15-16
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
Faith in Action
We have opportunities to put our faith into action by helping those who are displaced. Sheltering refugees is not just a kind act; it is a demonstration of our faith in God’s provision. When we extend our hands to those in need, we are demonstrating that our faith is alive and active. It inspires us to trust in God’s promises as we share what we have with those who are struggling. May we always be bold in taking faith-driven actions, reaching out to those who need shelter and care.
Proverbs 19:17
“Whoever is generous to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will repay him for his deed.” – Proverbs 19:17
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 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
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Mark 12:31
“The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” – Mark 12:31
Welcoming the Stranger
Welcoming refugees brings a sense of community and unity. God’s word encourages us to treat strangers with love and kindness. It is essential to understand that welcoming others reflects God’s love to the world. Let us embrace those who are seeking refuge and comfort, and in doing so, we create a loving environment where everyone feels valued and respected. It shows that we recognize the dignity of every human being, made in the image of God.
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
Romans 12:13
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” – Romans 12:13
Proverbs 23:10-11
“Do not move an ancient boundary stone or encroach on the fields of the fatherless, for their Defender is strong; he will take up their case against you.” – Proverbs 23:10-11
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
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
Our Responsibility to Refugees
As members of a global community, we have a responsibility to protect and provide for those who are seeking shelter. The Bible teaches us to look out for the vulnerable. This means that we must take action and speak out on behalf of the refugees among us. It is our duty to advocate for their needs and rights, making sure they receive love and support as they rebuild their lives. By fulfilling this responsibility, we achieve a powerful testimony of God’s love and grace.
Deuteronomy 10:18
“He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.” – Deuteronomy 10:18
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
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
Jeremiah 22:3
“This is what the Lord says: ‘Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do not mistreat or exploit the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow.’” – Jeremiah 22:3
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
Finding Community
When we provide shelter to refugees, we create a sense of community in our neighborhoods. It is a beautiful reminder that we are all part of God’s family. Each person has something to offer, and by coming together, we can support one another and uplift each other. This fellowship strengthens bonds and nurtures love among us. Together, we can celebrate our diversity and learn from one another, embracing the values that unite us.
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
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
2 Corinthians 1:24
“Not that we lord it over your faith, but we work with you for your joy, because it is by faith you stand firm.” – 2 Corinthians 1:24
Philippians 1:27
“Whatever happens, conduct yourselves in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ.” – Philippians 1:27
Embracing Love for All
In God’s eyes, everyone deserves love and compassion – refugees included. Our mission is simple: love one another. When we embrace love for all, we show true Christian values through our actions. By helping those in need, we become the hands and feet of Jesus. Our willingness to open our hearts can be a reflection of God’s amazing grace to those waiting for hope. Each act of kindness adds more warmth to the world, allowing refugees to heal and flourish.
1 John 4:19
“We love because he first loved us.” – 1 John 4:19
John 15:12
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” – John 15:12
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
Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14
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
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on the importance of sheltering refugees, we are reminded of God’s desire for us to show love and compassion to those in need. Each verse we explored encourages us to embrace those who are seeking refuge and provides a framework for how we can make a difference in their lives. We highlight that showing love to the vulnerable is a direct reflection of our faith in Jesus Christ.
Let us remember our responsibility to serve and protect the most vulnerable in our communities. Showing love to refugees strengthens our faith and fosters a sense of unity in our neighborhoods. We can reach out to provide not just shelter but also hope and healing.
Might we be inspired to take action and help those around us by showing kindness and generosity? If we can extend our hands and hearts, we can begin to create a world filled with compassion and love. As we engage in these efforts, let’s continue exploring more uplifting topics, such as living with justice and mercy found in Isaiah 54:14 or serving the least of these with the inspiration from Matthew 25:35-46.