You shall not oppress a foreigner; you know the heart of a foreigner, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God. – Exodus 23:9
Bible Verses About Loving Foreigners
Understanding God’s Command to Love Foreigners
Throughout scripture, we find God asking us to see the value in every person, including foreigners. This love we have for others should mirror the love God has for us. As we strive to love our neighbors, we should extend that love beyond our own communities to include those who may not share our background, language, or culture. Being a Christian means recognizing that we are all part of God’s family, which is wonderfully diverse. This understanding encourages us to embrace foreigners and treat them with kindness and respect, just as we would want to be treated.
Leviticus 19:34
The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God. – Leviticus 19:34
Deuteronomy 10:19
Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt. You shall fear the Lord your God. You shall serve him and hold fast to him, and by his name you shall swear. – Deuteronomy 10:19
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
Romans 12:13
Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality to strangers. – Romans 12:13
Hebrews 13:2
Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares. – Hebrews 13:2
Reflection on Our Shared Humanity
When we think about the theme of loving foreigners, we are reminded that every person carries a story, a rich tapestry of experiences that shape who they are. They, like us, seek connection, belonging, and love. Embracing our shared humanity encourages us to transcend personal biases and cultural differences. It is a beautiful reminder that we are all made in the image of God. By treating one another with compassion, we foster an environment of love that reflects the heart of Christ. Let us cultivate a community built on mutual respect and understanding, ensuring that no one feels alone or unwelcome.
1 Peter 4:9
Show hospitality to one another without grumbling. – 1 Peter 4:9
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
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
James 2:1
My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. – James 2:1
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
Empathy and Compassion in Our Actions
As we strive to love foreigners, empathy plays a crucial role. By putting ourselves in someone else’s shoes, we can understand their struggles and fears better. Compassion ignites a desire within us to take action, enabling us to become advocates and allies for those who may face discrimination or hardship. The Bible encourages us to reach out to those in need and to create an atmosphere where everyone feels cherished. Changing the narrative starts with us; we can lead by showing kindness, understanding, and support regardless of a person’s nationality or status.
Proverbs 21:13
Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself call out and not be answered. – Proverbs 21:13
Ephesians 4:32
Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you. – Ephesians 4:32
Matthew 7:12
So whatever you wish that others would do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets. – Matthew 7:12
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