The topic of immigration is a complex and often divisive issue in today’s world. The Bible contains verses that offer perspectives on welcoming strangers and showing hospitality to newcomers. Join us as we explore these verses and their relevance in our society.
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Bible Verses About Immigration
Exodus 23:9
“Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners, because you were foreigners in Egypt.”
This verse reminds us of the importance of showing compassion and empathy towards immigrants, as the Israelites themselves were once foreigners in Egypt. It serves as a call to treat immigrants with fairness and kindness, acknowledging their humanity and shared experiences.
Leviticus 19:34
“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.”
Similar to the previous verse, this verse emphasizes the importance of treating immigrants with love and equality. God reminds His people that they were once strangers in a foreign land, and therefore, they should extend the same kindness and hospitality to those who find themselves in a similar situation.
Deuteronomy 10:18-19
“He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.”
God’s heart for the vulnerable and marginalized is evident in this verse. He calls His people to also have a heart for foreigners, providing for their basic needs and showing them love. It serves as a reminder that God is the ultimate defender and advocate for those who are often excluded or mistreated.
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.”
This verse comes from Jesus’ teaching on the final judgment. He highlights the importance of showing practical love and hospitality to strangers. By welcoming and including immigrants, we demonstrate our love for Christ Himself. It challenges us to prioritize acts of compassion and generosity towards those who are in need.
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 believers to extend hospitality and kindness to strangers, as it might result in encountering the divine presence unknowingly. It reminds us that our actions towards immigrants have the potential to be deeply significant and impactful, and we should approach them with a willing and open heart.
Deuteronomy 27:19
“Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow.”
This verse emphasizes how seriously God takes the mistreatment of foreigners, orphans, and widows. It serves as a warning against withholding justice or showing partiality towards certain groups. God wants His people to actively pursue justice and seek fairness for all, including immigrants in their midst.
Psalm 146:9
“The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.”
God’s care and protection extend to the vulnerable, including foreigners, orphans, and widows. This verse reassures us that God sees the challenges faced by immigrants and actively ensures their well-being. It also reminds us that God opposes those who mistreat others and frustrates their wicked plans.
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 verse highlights the unity and equality found in Christ. It emphasizes that our distinctions and categorizations, including nationality, should not divide us. As followers of Jesus, we are called to recognize and value the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, regardless of their background or status.
Romans 12:13
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
This verse encourages practical acts of compassion and hospitality towards those in need, including immigrants. It reminds believers to share their resources and provide a welcoming environment for others, reflecting God’s love and generosity. It challenges us to go beyond simply acknowledging the plight of immigrants and actively engage in their support and inclusion.
1 Peter 2:17
“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.”
Here, Peter instructs believers to show respect to everyone, acknowledging the inherent value and worth of every individual. This includes immigrants, who deserve to be treated with dignity and care. It serves as a reminder that our interactions with others are a reflection of our reverence for God.
Jeremiah 22:3
“This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place.”
God’s command to His people is to always do what is just and right. This includes rescuing those who are oppressed and preventing harm or violence towards foreigners, orphans, widows, and the innocent. It underscores the importance of actively standing against injustice and advocating for the rights and well-being of all.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises their neighbor sins, but blessed is the one who is kind to the needy.”
This verse highlights the sinfulness of showing disdain or disregard towards our neighbors, including immigrants. Instead, it encourages kindness towards those in need. It reminds us that our treatment of immigrants should be rooted in love and compassion, and that blessings come from acts of genuine kindness.
Leviticus 25:35
“If any of your fellow Israelites become poor and are unable to support themselves among you, help them as you would a foreigner and stranger, so they can continue to live among you.”
God’s commandments extend beyond the treatment of foreigners to encompass all of His people, especially those who are in need. This verse demonstrates that the same care and support provided to immigrants should also be extended to fellow citizens. It emphasizes the importance of community, unity, and helping one another thrive.
Matthew 5:7
“Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.”
This verse is part of Jesus’ famous Sermon on the Mount. It highlights the blessedness of showing mercy, which includes being compassionate and kind towards immigrants. It serves as a powerful reminder that our treatment of others has significant implications for God’s mercy towards us.
Ezekiel 47:22
“You are to allot it as an inheritance for yourselves and for the foreigners residing among you and who have children. You are to consider them as native-born Israelites; along with you, they are to be allotted an inheritance among the tribes of Israel.”
This verse presents a vision of inclusivity, where foreigners who reside among God’s people are granted the same rights and privileges as native-born Israelites. It challenges the notion of exclusion and calls for a society that embraces and provides for immigrants as if they were their own.
Galatians 5:14
“For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’”
Jesus summarized the entire law in the command to love our neighbor as ourselves. This includes immigrants who live amongst us. We are called to treat them with love, respect, and equality, valuing their well-being just as we value our own. It emphasizes the inseparable connection between love and fulfilling God’s commandments.
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.”
This verse reminds us that true religion is not merely about rituals or traditions, but about actively caring for the vulnerable and marginalized, including immigrants. It serves as a reminder that our faith should be demonstrated through practical acts of compassion, showing love and support to those in need.
Matthew 25:40
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’”
In this passage, Jesus speaks about the final judgment and how our treatment of others is intimately connected to our relationship with Him. He equates our acts of kindness and compassion towards immigrants and the vulnerable with acts of service towards Himself. It challenges us to view every interaction with immigrants as an opportunity to serve and honor Jesus.
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 and needy.”
This verse calls believers to be advocates for the voiceless and marginalized, including immigrants. It reminds us of our responsibility to stand up for justice and fairness, defending the rights and well-being of those who are in need. It encourages us to use our voices and influence to bring about positive change.
Mark 12:31
“The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.”
Jesus reaffirms the command to love our neighbor as ourselves as one of the most important commandments. This includes immigrants who are our neighbors. It emphasizes the centrality of love in the life of a believer and serves as a reminder to prioritize love as we interact with those of different backgrounds and cultures.
Psalm 9:9
“The Lord is a refuge for the oppressed, a stronghold in times of trouble.”
This verse comforts and assures us of God’s presence and protection for the oppressed. It includes immigrants who may often face various forms of oppression and hardships. It reminds us that God stands as a fortress and source of refuge for those who are marginalized and mistreated.
Acts 17:26
“From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.”
This verse reminds us that God created all nations and people to inhabit the earth. It acknowledges the diversity and uniqueness of various cultures and serves as a reminder that this diversity is part of God’s design. It challenges our biases and calls for a deeper appreciation and respect for different ethnicities and backgrounds.
Ruth 2:10
“At this, she bowed down with her face to the ground. She asked him, ‘Why have I found such favor in your eyes that you notice me—a foreigner?’”
This verse comes from the story of Ruth, who was a foreigner in a new land. It highlights her surprise and gratitude at being shown kindness and favor despite her foreign status. It serves as a reminder that small acts of kindness and inclusivity towards immigrants can have a profound impact on their lives, bringing comfort and a sense of belonging.
Ephesians 2:19
“Consequently, you are no longer foreigners and strangers, but fellow citizens with God’s people and also members of his household.”
Through faith in Jesus, we are no longer separated or excluded but have become part of God’s family. This verse reminds us that as believers, we are united with God’s people, embracing a shared citizenship and inheritance that transcends national boundaries. It underscores the unity and oneness found in the body of Christ.
What Does the Bible Say About Immigration?
The Bible encourages us to show love and compassion to immigrants and strangers. Throughout the Old and New Testaments, there are numerous references to welcoming foreigners and showing them kindness. In fact, God commands the Israelites in the Old Testament to treat immigrants with love and fairness, reminding them that they were once immigrants in the land of Egypt (Exodus 22:21, Leviticus 19:33-34).
In the New Testament, Jesus teaches us to love our neighbors as ourselves and to show hospitality to strangers (Matthew 25:35). The early Christian church also emphasized the importance of caring for those in need, including immigrants and refugees (Hebrews 13:2).
As Christians, we are called to reflect the love and compassion of Christ to all people, regardless of their background or nationality. This means welcoming immigrants into our communities, advocating for their fair and just treatment, and providing support and care for those who are in need. Ultimately, our response to immigration should be rooted in the biblical values of love, justice, and mercy.