“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 Foreigners
Exodus 22:21
“Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.”
This verse reminds us of our past and how we should relate to others. Understanding that we were once outsiders encourages us to show kindness to those who may be in a vulnerable position.
It highlights God’s concern for the foreigner, urging us to extend compassion and hospitality to them just as we would wish to be treated.
Exodus 23:9
“Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners, because you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.”
This passage reinforces the idea of empathy. The Israelites were reminded of their own experiences in Egypt, which gives context to their treatment of foreigners.
It’s a good insight into the importance of empathy and respect for those who are different from us.
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.”
God’s love for the vulnerable is clear here. This highlights not just a call to welcome foreigners but also to provide for their needs.
By showing love and kindness, particularly to those in need, we reflect God’s character in our actions.
Deuteronomy 24:17
“Do not deprive the foreigner or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge.”
This verse emphasizes justice. The Lord calls on His people to uphold the rights of all individuals, including foreigners.
The assurance that every person deserves justice helps foster a community where every individual is respected and valued.
Psalm 146:9
“The LORD watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.”
Here we see God’s protective nature toward the marginalized. The fact that God provides sustenance shows His deep care for those who are considered outsiders.
It signifies that there is room for everyone in God’s kingdom and encourages us to do the same in our communities.
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.”
This passage celebrates inclusion. It reinforces the notion that all who are faithful to God, including foreigners, can find a place in His presence.
It reveals God’s intent to gather people from all walks of life into His family, emphasizing the openness of His love and grace.
Malachi 3:5
“So I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers; against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless and deprive the foreigners among you of justice, but do not fear me,” says the LORD Almighty.”
God equates the mistreatment of foreigners with unjust acts against others. The call to fear the Lord goes hand-in-hand with a call to treat everyone fairly and justly.
This serves as a sobering reminder of our duties toward those who may be on the margins of society.
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.”
In this passage, Jesus identifies Himself with the needy, including strangers. Our actions towards those in need are ultimately actions towards Christ Himself.
It highlights the importance of hospitality, urging us to reflect Jesus’ love in our interactions with those who are different from us.
Luke 10:33-35
“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. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him.”
This parable exemplifies love for neighbors, which can include foreigners. The Samaritan’s actions challenge societal norms and highlight that love should not be limited by ethnicity or origin.
It calls us to act when we see others in need, irrespective of their background.
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.’”
This moment in Acts signifies the expansion of God’s grace to all nations. Peter’s realization addresses the segregation present in early communities and showcases God’s welcoming heart.
It serves as a powerful reminder that the message of the gospel transcends national boundaries.
Ephesians 2:19
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.”
This verse speaks of our identity in Christ. Regardless of ethnicity, we are called to be part of God’s family when we accept Him.
This gives every believer a sense of belonging, shifting the focus from earthly divisions toward spiritual unity.
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.”
This verse encourages a lifestyle of hospitality. It’s a practical application of loving foreigners and strangers.
It reminds us that our actions could have greater implications than we realize, potentially bearing witness to divine encounters.
James 2:1
“My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.”
In this letter, James highlights the danger of showing favoritism, which can inadvertently lead to the marginalization of the less fortunate, including foreigners.
This serves to remind us to treat everyone with dignity and respect, irrespective of their background.
1 Peter 2:11
“Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul.”
Peter uses the concept of being foreigners metaphorically. He encourages believers to live righteously as they navigate through life.
This calls us to greater purpose and accountability in how we act and interact with others.
Revelation 7:9
“After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.”
This vision of heaven shows the diversity of God’s kingdom. Everyone, regardless of their nationality, will worship together in unity.
It challenges our earthly divisions and invites us to embrace the beauty of diversity within the family of God.
Romans 15:7
“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”
This verse calls us to emulate the acceptance shown by Christ. Welcoming others, regardless of their background, pleases God.
It speaks to the core of Christian community, promoting love, acceptance, and understanding.
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.”
This powerful declaration emphasizes unity among believers. Labels and divisions fall away in the grace of Jesus.
It encourages us to celebrate our differences while recognizing our equal value in Christ.
What Does The Bible Say About Foreigners
The Bible speaks significantly about how we should treat foreigners. Central to the Christian faith is the teaching that we must love our neighbors, which extends to those who may be different from us, including foreigners.
When we consider verses from the Old Testament like in Leviticus and Deuteronomy, there is a clear mandate to treat foreigners with kindness and compassion, reminiscent of our own experiences. It emphasizes empathy drawn from the history of the Israelites as former slaves in Egypt.
In the New Testament, this theme continues. Jesus’ teachings emphasize inclusion and love for strangers. Acceptance, hospitality, and fairness mark a life lived in accordance with God’s will.
As believers, we are encouraged to look past borders and barriers and see each other as equals in Christ, as encapsulated beautifully in Galatians. By doing so, we reflect God’s love and justice in our communities—encouraging an environment where everyone can thrive.
If you enjoyed exploring what the Bible says about foreigners, consider reading about how to understand the role of money in missions or even delve into the realms of family and relationships. Each topic provides valuable lessons and insights on living a life that reflects love and community. You can check out foreign money in missions or see how to handle forcing someone against their will. Discover more about following the will of God as you explore God’s intentions.