“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 The Foreigner
Welcoming the Foreigner
In our faith, we are often called to be hospitable, and when it comes to welcoming the foreigner, this call becomes even more significant. The Bible teaches us that strangers should not be seen with fear or suspicion but with compassion and love. We can foster an inclusive environment by opening our hearts and homes to those who may feel like they don’t belong. When we do this, we not only honor God, but we also create bonds of friendship and understanding. This practice reflects the heart of God that desires for everyone to find a place where they are accepted and loved. Our actions toward foreigners can lead to beautiful friendships, and even more importantly, to shared faith and community.
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
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
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
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 25:40
“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
Unity Among People
The Bible emphasizes the importance of unity among all individuals, regardless of their background. It teaches us that we are all created in the image of God, which means that every person deserves respect and dignity. As we pray for unity, we recognize that the foreigner is not an outsider but a fellow human being created to share life with us. By working together, learning from each other, and celebrating our differences, we strengthen our community and glorify God. Unity reflects the heart of the Gospel, reminding us that we are all part of one body in Christ. Let us embrace our differences and find common ground in love and understanding.
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
Ephesians 4:3
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:3
Romans 12:5
“So in Christ we, though many, form one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” – Romans 12:5
1 Corinthians 12:13
“For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, neither slave nor free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.” – 1 Corinthians 12:13
Colossians 3:14
“And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.” – Colossians 3:14
God’s Love for All People
As we reflect on God’s love, we can see that His heart extends to all people, regardless of nationality or background. The Scriptures reveal how God’s grace is available to everyone who seeks Him. It is our duty to share this love and joy with the foreigners among us. When we embrace this calling, we find that God’s love unites us, transcending cultural barriers and creating a deep connection. In doing so, we reflect God’s character, demonstrating that His love knows no boundaries. Let us strive to embody this love, sharing it freely with all who enter our lives.
Acts 10:34
“Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism.'” – Acts 10:34
Romans 15:7
“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” – Romans 15:7
Psalm 117:1
“Praise the LORD, all you nations; extol him, all you peoples.” – Psalm 117:1
John 3:16
“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” – John 3:16
Isaiah 56:7
“These I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.” – Isaiah 56:7
Serving the Foreigner
In God’s eyes, serving others—especially the foreigner—is a noble and honorable quest. The Bible encourages us to actively seek ways to assist and uplift those who may be struggling or feel out of place. Through our service, we can show love and kindness to those who come into our lives. It might be as simple as providing a warm meal, offering assistance, or lending a listening ear. Our willingness to serve can inspire hope and make someone feel welcomed. By serving those who may feel like outsiders, we reflect Christ’s love and compassion, reinforcing the idea that we are all part of God’s family.
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
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
Mark 10:45
“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45
Philippians 2:4
“Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippians 2:4
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Sharing the Gospel with Foreigners
As followers of Christ, we have a great commission to share the Good News with everyone, including foreigners. We are all called to be witnesses of God’s love and truth. Everyone deserves to hear about Christ’s love and grace, no matter where they come from. By sharing the Gospel, not only do we plant seeds of faith, but we also create opportunities for transformation in the lives of those around us. This mission is not limited to those who have always belonged to our communities. It is a call to reach out, connect, and welcome the foreigner into the family of God. Together, we can rejoice as we see lives changed and hearts turned toward Him.
Matthew 28:19
“Therefore go 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
Romans 10:14
“How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?” – Romans 10:14
Mark 16:15
“He said to them, ‘Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.'” – Mark 16:15
Luke 24:47
“and repentance for the forgiveness of sins will be preached in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” – Luke 24:47
John 20:21
“Again, Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.'” – John 20:21
The Promise of Inclusion
Throughout the Bible, we find promises of inclusion for foreigners in God’s love and grace. These promises remind us how God desires everyone to come to Him and be part of His Kingdom. When we reflect on these promises, we are encouraged to cultivate an accepting heart. Knowing that God welcomes everyone gives us hope. By embracing this divine promise, we can open our hearts, our communities, and our churches to include those who are different from us. God’s promise illustrates that His love transcends borders, uniting us in a shared desire for hope and belonging. May we never forget that we are all offered a seat at the table of God’s grace.
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
Isaiah 49:6
“He says: ‘It is too small a thing for you to be my servant to restore the tribes of Jacob and bring back those of Israel I have kept. I will also make you a light for the Gentiles, that my salvation may reach to the ends of the earth.'” – Isaiah 49:6
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
Galatians 3:29
“If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed, and heirs according to the promise.” – Galatians 3:29
Romans 11:17
“If some of the branches have been broken off, and you, though a wild olive shoot, have been grafted in among the others and now share in the nourishing sap from the olive root…” – Romans 11:17
Final Thoughts
As we have journeyed through these scriptures about the foreigner, it is clear that God’s heart beats for inclusivity and compassion. We are reminded that everyone, regardless of their background, is worthy of love and respect. Embracing those who are different from us not only reflects God’s nature, but it also strengthens our communities. Whether we are welcoming strangers, promoting unity, serving others, or sharing the Gospel, we are participants in God’s work of love. Let us embrace the beauty of diversity and live out our faith through acts of kindness and acceptance. We are called to create spaces where every individual feels welcomed and valued.
In light of these truths, I encourage you to explore more about God’s word, particularly about the importance of treating all people with respect in Deuteronomy 10 and sharing kindness with foreigners as seen in Ruth 2:16. May we continue to grow in our understanding and application of God’s teachings in our lives.