“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
Bible Verses About Slavery Being Wrong
The Value of Every Individual
As we read the Bible, it becomes abundantly clear that every person holds infinite value in the eyes of God. We must recognize that each individual is created in His image, which means that regardless of status, race, or background, we are all deserving of love and respect. The teachings of Jesus reinforce the idea that love is central to our relationships, and this love should extend to all, especially those who are oppressed or marginalized. In understanding the value of every individual, we become more inclined to advocate for justice and oppose practices such as slavery which degrade human dignity.
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
1 Corinthians 12:12
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.” – 1 Corinthians 12:12
Matthew 10:31
“So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.” – Matthew 10:31
James 3:9
“With the tongue we praise our Lord and Father, and with it we curse human beings, who have been made in God’s likeness.” – James 3:9
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
God’s Call for Justice
We have all experienced moments where we feel compelled to stand up for what is right. In the same manner, God calls us to advocate for justice. Throughout scripture, He emphasizes the importance of justice for the oppressed and downtrodden. In the realm of slavery, God’s heart is evident: He desires that we speak out against inequalities and treat everyone with fairness and dignity. Responding to God’s call involves educating ourselves and others about the injustices faced by so many to create a more equitable world.
Isaiah 1:17
“Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow.” – Isaiah 1:17
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
Proverbs 31:9
“Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” – Proverbs 31:9
Amos 5:24
“But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!” – Amos 5:24
Psalm 82:3
“Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” – Psalm 82:3
Jesus’ Teachings on Love
At the heart of our Christian faith lies the profound message of love. Jesus challenges us to reflect His love in our actions towards others. Love is not just a feeling; it is an action that calls us to serve others with kindness and compassion. Loving our neighbor as ourselves naturally leads us to reject any institution that dehumanizes or exploits others, including slavery. When we embody Christ-like love, we stand firmly against practices that promote division and hatred.
Matthew 22:39
“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” – Matthew 22:39
John 15:12
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” – John 15:12
Romans 13:10
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” – Romans 13:10
1 John 4:7
“Dear friends, let us love one another, for love comes from God. Everyone who loves has been born of God and knows God.” – 1 John 4:7
Galatians 5:14
“For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” – Galatians 5:14
Freedom Through Christ
In Christ, we find true freedom—freedom from sin, guilt, and oppression. The message of freedom resonates throughout the New Testament, urging us to embrace our identity as children of God. This empowers us to extend grace and compassion to others. When we understand the depth of our own freedom, we are compelled to fight against slavery and any form of captivity, as God’s love calls us to support others in their liberation. This freedom in Christ fuels our desire to promote justice for all.
John 8:36
“So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed.” – John 8:36
Galatians 5:1
“It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery.” – Galatians 5:1
2 Corinthians 3:17
“Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom.” – 2 Corinthians 3:17
Romans 8:21
“That the creation itself will be liberated from its bondage to decay and brought into the freedom and glory of the children of God.” – Romans 8:21
Colossians 1:13
“For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves.” – Colossians 1:13
God’s Desire for Mercy
God reveals His heart through consistent themes of mercy and compassion throughout the Bible. We are called to reflect God’s mercy in our relationships with others and extend grace to those who are suffering injustices. His desire for mercy echoes in our responsibility to uplift and protect marginalized individuals—especially those affected by slavery. Making an effort to act with mercy encourages us to be advocates for change in a society that may struggle with empathy.
Matthew 5:7
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” – Matthew 5:7
Luke 6:36
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” – Luke 6:36
Psalm 103:17
“But from everlasting to everlasting the Lord’s love is with those who fear him, and his righteousness with their children’s children.” – Psalm 103:17
Micah 7:18
“Who is a God like you, who pardons sin and forgives the transgression of the remnant of his inheritance? You do not stay angry forever but delight to show mercy.” – Micah 7:18
Hebrews 4:16
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” – Hebrews 4:16
Responding to Injustice
In our walk with Christ, we are urged to actively respond to issues of injustice, including the atrocities of slavery. Together, we can raise awareness, educate ourselves, and rally support for those who are suffering. Taking a stand against injustice requires us to listen, learn, and take action when necessary, focusing our efforts on bringing awareness to the plight of those who are oppressed. This spirit of activism aligns with our calling to be Christ’s hands and feet in the world.
Isaiah 58:6
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” – Isaiah 58:6
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