“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
Bible Verses About Helping Foreigners
Welcoming the Stranger
We find that welcoming the stranger is a significant message in the Bible. It reflects our heart and willingness to accept those different from us. By embracing foreigners, we embody the very spirit of Christ. It is God’s desire that we should show hospitality and kindness, understanding that at one point, we too were strangers in need of compassion and care. Each encounter with those different from us is an opportunity to mirror God’s love and to show how His grace has touched our lives.
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
Hebrews 13:2
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by doing so some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.” – Hebrews 13:2
Romans 12:13
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” – Romans 12:13
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
Isaiah 56:6-7
“And foreigners who bind themselves to the Lord to minister to him, to love the name of the Lord, and to be his servants, all who keep the Sabbath without desecrating it and who hold fast to my covenant—these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer.” – Isaiah 56:6-7
Providing for the Needs
In our Christian walk, we are prompted to consider the needs of others, especially those who find themselves far from home. Assisting foreigners is a tangible expression of love in action. We are called to empower those who struggle by offering our support, both materially and emotionally. When we extend a helping hand to the vulnerable, we not only uplift them but also embody the core of our faith. Each act of kindness is a reflection of God’s love for us and is an opportunity to bless others.
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
Proverbs 22:9
“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.” – Proverbs 22:9
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
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
Galatians 6:10
“Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.” – Galatians 6:10
Empowering Through Inclusion
Including foreigners in our communities is a powerful act of unity. It fosters a sense of belonging and affirms that everyone has a place in God’s family. As we gather with those from different backgrounds, we not only share our blessings but also learn from one another. This inclusivity reveals the beauty of diversity in God’s creation and lays the groundwork for love and understanding. Let us remind ourselves that we are all children of God, crafted uniquely with a purpose.
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
Matthew 5:14
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.” – Matthew 5:14
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
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
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
Responding to Their Plight
We know that there are many foreigners who face distress, hardship, and challenges in a new environment. Responding to their plight requires compassion and a willingness to act. We have the ability to change lives through our support, whether it is through acts of service, providing resources, or simply offering a listening ear. In doing so, we reflect God’s heart for the marginalized and exemplify what it means to follow Christ’s lead. Together, we can be a source of hope to those in need.
Psalms 146:9
“The LORD watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.” – Psalms 146:9
Proverbs 31:8-9
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” – Proverbs 31:8-9
Luke 10:33-34
“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him. He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine.” – Luke 10:33-34
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
2 Corinthians 9:11
“You will be enriched in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.” – 2 Corinthians 9:11
Teaching by Example
We are called to be examples of kindness and compassion. Teaching by example means living out our faith in such a way that others see Christ in us. By extending love and grace to foreigners, we set the standard for how to treat others. Our actions speak volumes about our values and beliefs. In every interaction we have, we have an opportunity to represent Christ, showing that foreigner or not, everyone deserves love, respect, and a place in God’s family.
Titus 2:7
“In everything set them an example by doing what is good. In your teaching show integrity, seriousness.” – Titus 2:7
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
Philippians 2:5
“In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 2:5
John 13:15
“I have set you an example that you should do as I have done for you.” – John 13:15
1 Timothy 4:12
“Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for the believers in speech, in conduct, in love, in faith and in purity.” – 1 Timothy 4:12
Recognizing Our Shared Humanity
At the heart of helping foreigners is the recognition of our shared humanity. We are all created in the image of God, and this connection is essential in how we treat one another. When we see ourselves as part of a larger family, we cultivate an environment rooted in understanding and empathy. As we engage with others, we can choose to focus on common ground rather than differences, building bridges that foster love, acceptance, and unity in Christ.
Genesis 1:27
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.” – Genesis 1:27
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 15:7
“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.” – Romans 15:7
John 17:21
“That all of them may be one, Father, just as you are in me and I am in you.” – John 17:21
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.” – Matthew 5:9
Final Thoughts
In our walk of faith, we are called to reach out and support those who may feel like foreigners among us. By embracing strangers, providing for their needs, empowering them through inclusion, and teaching by example, we fulfill God’s commandments. It is in recognizing our shared humanity that we can truly make a difference in the lives of others. Together, we can reflect Christ’s love through our actions and show that no one is beyond God’s grace.
As we carry these truths in our hearts, let us represent God’s love wherever we go. The verses above inspire us to serve, act with kindness, and shine a light to those around us. If you want to explore more about God’s intentions for caring and loving others, consider reading about God’s love for the stranger or How we serve Christ by serving others. May we always remember to show love and support to everyone, as we are all part of God’s great family.