“You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.” – Leviticus 19:34
Bible Verses About How To Treat Immigrants
Welcoming the Stranger
In our walk of faith, we understand the importance of embracing those who are different from us. Welcoming the stranger is not just about hospitality; it’s an expression of God’s love. We remember the stories of those who faced hardship and displacement. As Christ followers, we have the responsibility to extend warmth and kindness. By welcoming immigrants, we honor the teachings of Christ and symbolize the compassion we have received. This approach echoes the core values of our faith and reminds us that everyone deserves a place of belonging.
Leviticus 19:34
“You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God.” – Leviticus 19:34
Hebrews 13:2
“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” – Hebrews 13:2
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
1 Peter 4:9
“Show hospitality to one another without grumbling.” – 1 Peter 4:9
Romans 15:7
“Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.” – Romans 15:7
Compassion and Kindness
As we reflect on our treatment of immigrants, we are reminded to embody compassion and kindness. These virtues are fundamental to our faith and should guide how we interact with others. Recognizing the struggles of immigrants allows us to empathize and respond with a caring heart. We are called to treat others as we wish to be treated, ensuring that our actions reflect the love of God. This attitude fosters community and builds bridges, helping all feel valued and cared for. Let’s remember that compassion is a choice we can make every day.
Ephesians 4:32
“Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, as God in Christ forgave you.” – Ephesians 4:32
Colossians 3:12
“Put on then, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience.” – Colossians 3:12
Galatians 6:2
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Matthew 9:36
“When he saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” – Matthew 9:36
Psalm 82:3
“Give justice to the weak and the fatherless; maintain the rights of the afflicted and the destitute.” – Psalm 82:3
Justice for All
Justice is a core principle of our faith, and it extends to everyone, including immigrants. We recognize that fairness and equality are crucial in society. God’s heart beats for justice, and as His followers, we are called to advocate for those who may be marginalized or mistreated. Stressing justice for immigrants means ensuring that their rights are respected and their voices heard. We need to speak out against oppression and strive for a community where everyone is treated equitably, reflecting God’s love and justice.
Isaiah 1:17
“Learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, plead the widow’s cause.” – Isaiah 1:17
Amos 5:24
“But let justice roll down like waters, and righteousness like an ever-flowing stream.” – Amos 5:24
Proverbs 31:8
“Open your mouth for the mute, for the rights of all who are destitute.” – Proverbs 31:8
Micah 6:8
“He has told you, O man, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God?” – Micah 6:8
Zechariah 7:10
“Do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor, and let none of you devise evil against another in your heart.” – Zechariah 7:10
Selfless Service
In following Christ’s example, we learn that selfless service is vital. Serving those who may be struggling, like immigrants, mirrors our calling to love and support others. We can offer our time, resources, and efforts to help meet their needs. Embracing a servant’s heart means being willing to step outside of our comfort zones to assist others in navigating their challenges. Through selfless action, we can make a significant difference and demonstrate our commitment to making a positive impact on those around us.
Mark 10:45
“For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” – Mark 10:45
Galatians 5:13
“For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another.” – Galatians 5:13
1 John 3:18
“Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.” – 1 John 3:18
John 13:14-15
“If then your Lord and Teacher has washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For I have given you an example, that you also should do just as I have done to you.” – John 13:14-15
Philippians 2:4
“Let each of you look not only to his own interests, but also to the interests of others.” – Philippians 2:4
God’s Commands on Compassion
God’s heart is filled with compassion, and He calls us to reflect that in our daily lives. Through His Word, He reminds us to be sensitive to the needs of others, especially those who may be marginalized. As we read the scriptures, we see the repeated encouragement to show love and compassion towards the vulnerable. By honoring God’s commands on compassion, we work towards building a society that lives out His teachings, demonstrating love for our neighbors, including immigrants.
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
Isaiah 58:6-7
“Is not this the fast that I choose: to loose the bonds of wickedness, to undo the straps of the yoke, to let the oppressed go free, and to break every yoke? Is it not to share your bread with the hungry and bring the homeless poor into your house; when you see the naked, to cover him, and not to hide yourself from your own flesh?” – Isaiah 58:6-7
Proverbs 14:31
“Whoever oppresses a poor man insults his Maker, but he who is generous to the needy honors him.” – Proverbs 14:31
Psalms 146:9
“The LORD watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.” – Psalms 146:9
Acts 10:34
“So Peter opened his mouth and said: ‘Truly I understand that God shows no partiality.'” – Acts 10:34
Creating Inclusive Communities
As followers of Jesus, we are called to build inclusive communities that reflect God’s Kingdom. These spaces are open and welcoming to everyone, including immigrants, regardless of their background. Creating such communities motivates us to reach out and make connections, fostering relationships that embrace diversity. We are reminded that all people matter to God, and together we can create a world where everyone feels like they belong. Encouraging inclusion nurtures love, acceptance, and unity among us all.
Matthew 28:19
“Go therefore 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
Revelation 7:9
“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands.” – Revelation 7:9
Romans 12:13
“Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” – Romans 12:13
Luke 14:13-14
“But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, and the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.” – Luke 14:13-14
John 1:12
“But to all who did receive him, who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God.” – John 1:12
Final Thoughts
In reflecting on how to treat immigrants, we discover a divine calling to love, serve, and embrace others warmly. Through the scriptures, we learn the essence of compassion, justice, and community. We recognize that our community is enriched when we welcome the stranger and allow God’s love to flow through us. Embracing these principles not only shapes our faith but also brings us closer to our mission of representing Christ in the world.
Let us actively work towards creating a society that fosters inclusivity and kindness. We should encourage every person, regardless of their background, to find a place among us. By acting in love towards immigrants, we visibly manifest God’s heart and reflect His grace. Together, we can build a world that shares the love of Jesus with everyone.
I encourage you to explore more about how we can live out these values, particularly in understanding God’s command in Deuteronomy 10, and the laws of kindness in Leviticus 19 and 20.