“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 Taking In Refugees
The Call to Love Others
We are called to love everyone, including those who come from different backgrounds, cultures, and experiences. The Bible teaches us that we should reach out to foreigners and those in need. When we take in refugees, we not only embody the love of Christ, but we also fulfill the command to love our neighbor as we love ourselves. This is a central tenet of our faith, reminding us that everyone deserves compassion and kindness, just as we would want for ourselves. We should embrace this call to love without hesitation, allowing it to guide our actions and hearts as we welcome those seeking refuge into our communities.
Matthew 22:39
“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” – Matthew 22:39
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
Romans 13:10
“Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law.” – Romans 13:10
John 15:12
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.” – John 15:12
Galatians 5:14
“For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’” – Galatians 5:14
Welcoming the Stranger
Welcoming refugees is not just an act of kindness; it is a reflection of our faith. When we open our arms to those seeking a new home, we demonstrate the heart of Christ, who welcomed everyone regardless of their background. The Bible assures us that those who are in need should be embraced within our communities. This act of hospitality is more than just a gesture; it’s a divine calling to share God’s love and acceptance. By welcoming the stranger, we not only provide comfort and safety but also ignite hope and healing in their lives.
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
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
Luke 14:13
“But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind.” – Luke 14:13
Leviticus 19:10
“Do not go over your vineyard a second time or pick up the grapes that have fallen. Leave them for the poor and the foreigner. I am the LORD your God.” – Leviticus 19:10
Matthew 10:42
“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones who is my disciple, truly I tell you, that person will certainly not lose their reward.” – Matthew 10:42
Compassion in Action
As followers of Christ, we are called to embody compassion and serve those who are vulnerable. Taking in refugees requires us to put our faith into action, showing kindness, generosity, and empathy. The Bible consistently encourages us to care for the less fortunate and those who are struggling. By showing compassion, we can build bridges in our communities and help heal the wounds of those who have faced hardship and loss. It is through acts of kindness and genuine concern for others that we truly reflect the love of Christ.
Colossians 3:12
“Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience.” – Colossians 3:12
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
Matthew 5:7
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” – Matthew 5:7
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
Luke 6:36
“Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful.” – Luke 6:36
God’s Protection and Care
We are reminded that God cares for the vulnerable and promises protection. As we consider taking in refugees, we should have confidence that God watches over those who seek safety. The Biblical narrative is rich with examples of God’s refuge and shelter. When we provide refuge for those in need, we fulfill a part of God’s plan for care and protection among His people. It’s comforting to know that as we help our brothers and sisters, we are participating in God’s work of compassion and grace.
Psalms 46:1
“God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble.” – Psalms 46:1
Psalms 91:1
“Whoever dwells in the secret place of the Most High will rest in the shadow of the Almighty.” – Psalms 91:1
Isaiah 49:10
“They will neither hunger nor thirst, nor will the desert heat or the sun beat down on them. He who has compassion on them will guide them and lead them beside springs of water.” – Isaiah 49:10
Psalms 68:5
“A father to the fatherless, a defender of widows, is God in his holy dwelling.” – Psalms 68:5
Jeremiah 29:11
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” – Jeremiah 29:11
The Role of Community
Taking in refugees is fundamentally a communal responsibility. As a body of believers, we can come together to provide support, resources, and encouragement. The Bible emphasizes unity and community, showing us that we are stronger together. When we band together to support those seeking refuge, we provide not only material help but also emotional and spiritual encouragement. We can create a safe space where refugees feel loved and accepted, reflecting Christ’s community spirit.
1 Corinthians 12:26
“If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it.” – 1 Corinthians 12:26
Galatians 6:2
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” – Galatians 6:2
Acts 2:44
“All the believers were together and had everything in common.” – Acts 2:44
Romans 12:13
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.” – Romans 12:13
Ephesians 4:3
“Make every effort to keep the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace.” – Ephesians 4:3
Faith in Action
Taking in refugees is a demonstration of our faith in action. It requires us to step outside our comfort zones and take a stand for justice and love. The Bible encourages us to put our faith into practice through acts of kindness, ensuring that our lives reflect the teachings of Christ. By stepping forward to help those in need, we showcase our commitment to following Jesus’ example. Our faith is shown not just in what we believe but in how we live out those beliefs through our actions in serving others.
James 2:17
“In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead.” – James 2:17
Titus 3:14
“Our people must learn to devote themselves to doing what is good, in order that they may provide for daily necessities and not live unproductive lives.” – Titus 3:14
Philippians 2:4
“Not looking to your own interests but each of you to the interests of the others.” – Philippians 2:4
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
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
Final Thoughts
As we reflect on taking in refugees, it’s clear that our faith in action can greatly impact our communities. Love, compassion, and kindness should guide our interactions with those in need. We are called to welcome the stranger, showing God’s love to the vulnerable. Each of us can play a vital role in helping those who seek refuge find hope and healing. By coming together, we can create safe spaces and support networks that uplift and empower others.
So let us not shy away from this responsibility. Instead, let’s embrace it wholeheartedly, trusting that our efforts will resonate with God’s purpose. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of those who need refuge. As we take these steps, we not only welcome others but also hold true to our identity as believers.
Feel encouraged to explore more about God’s love in passages like Deuteronomy 10 and Isaiah 54:14. Faith is truly a journey, and every step counts.