From friendships to communities, inclusion matters. The Bible addresses the importance of unity, compassion, and avoiding favoritism. Find out how Scripture calls us to embrace rather than exclude.
Also Read: What Does The Bible Say About Dying In Childbirth
What Does The Bible Say About Excluding Others
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of being generous and inclusive towards others, especially those who are less fortunate. It reminds us that excluding or disregarding our neighbors goes against God’s commandments and is considered sinful.
By showing kindness and generosity to those in need, we not only bless others but also experience God’s blessings in return. This verse encourages us to embrace inclusivity and love our neighbors as ourselves.
Galatians 3:28
“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
This powerful verse highlights the unity and equality that we have in Christ Jesus. It teaches us that in the eyes of God, there is no distinction or exclusion based on nationality, social class, or gender.
As believers, we are called to break down barriers and embrace all people as brothers and sisters in Christ. We are reminded to treat others with love, respect, and inclusivity, recognizing the value and worth of every individual.
Matthew 25:40
“And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’”
Jesus teaches us in this verse that how we treat others, particularly the marginalized and excluded, is a direct reflection of our love for Him. When we show kindness, compassion, and inclusivity to those in need, it is as if we are doing it to Jesus Himself.
This verse serves as a reminder to actively seek opportunities to include and uplift others, treating everyone with dignity and love, for in doing so, we honor and serve our Lord Jesus Christ.
James 2:1-4
“My brothers, show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ, the Lord of glory. For if a man wearing a gold ring and fine clothing comes into your assembly, and a poor man in shabby clothing also comes in, and if you pay attention to the one who wears the fine clothing and say, ‘You sit here in a good place,’ while you say to the poor man, ‘You stand over there,’ or, ‘Sit down at my feet,’ have you not then made distinctions among yourselves and become judges with evil thoughts?”
This passage from James exhorts believers to be cautious of showing partiality or favoritism based on external appearances or material possessions. It challenges us not to exclude or judge others based on their socioeconomic status.
True faith in the Lord Jesus Christ should lead us to treat all people equally, regardless of their outward appearance or worldly belongings. This verse urges us to avoid making distinctions among ourselves and instead embrace one another with genuine love and inclusivity.
Luke 14:12-14
“He said also to the man who had invited him, ‘When you give a dinner or a banquet, do not invite your friends or your brothers or your relatives or rich neighbors, lest they also invite you in return and you be repaid. But when you give a feast, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed, because they cannot repay you. For you will be repaid at the resurrection of the just.'”
In this passage, Jesus teaches us the importance of including and caring for those who cannot repay us. He encourages us to extend our hospitality and love to the marginalized and vulnerable, rather than focusing solely on those who can provide something in return.
By intentionally reaching out to and including those who are often excluded, we demonstrate the selfless love and compassion that Christ has shown us. This verse reminds us that our acts of inclusion and kindness have eternal rewards.
Acts 10:34-35
“So Peter opened his mouth and said: ‘Truly I understand that God shows no partiality, but in every nation anyone who fears him and does what is right is acceptable to him.'”
These verses capture a pivotal moment when Peter, a Jewish disciple of Jesus, realizes that God’s love and acceptance are not limited to a specific group of people. He acknowledges that God shows no partiality and that anyone, regardless of their nationality or background, can find favor in God’s sight by fearing Him and doing what is right.
This profound truth challenges us to break free from prejudice and exclusion, recognizing that the good news of Jesus Christ is intended for all people. It calls us to embrace inclusivity and celebrate diversity, knowing that God loves and accepts each person who seeks Him with a sincere heart.
Romans 12:16
“Live in harmony with one another. Do not be haughty, but associate with the lowly. Never be wise in your own sight.”
This verse encourages believers to foster harmonious relationships and avoid arrogance or pride. It calls us to associate and interact with those who are considered lowly or marginalized by society, rather than perpetuating exclusivity or superiority.
By humbly engaging with others, especially those who are often overlooked or excluded, we reflect the character of Christ and promote unity within the body of believers. This verse reminds us to embrace inclusivity and value the worth of every individual.
1 Timothy 5:21
“In the presence of God and of Christ Jesus and of the elect angels I charge you to keep these rules without prejudging, doing nothing from partiality.”
Paul’s charge to Timothy emphasizes the importance of maintaining impartiality and avoiding prejudgment in our actions and decision-making. As believers, we are called to align ourselves with God’s righteous standards and not allow personal biases or prejudices to influence our interactions with others.
This verse reminds us that exclusivity and favoritism have no place in the kingdom of God. It challenges us to examine our hearts and strive for fairness, equity, and inclusivity in all aspects of our lives.
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.”
This verse from the book of Leviticus commands the Israelites to treat immigrants and foreigners with the same love and respect as their fellow citizens. It reminds them of their own past as strangers in Egypt and the compassion God showed them during their time of need.
God’s expectation of inclusiveness extends beyond national borders, and as followers of Christ, we are called to adopt His perspective. This verse challenges us to embrace foreigners and immigrants, showing them kindness, empathy, and love, just as God has shown us.
James 2:9
“But if you show partiality, you are committing sin and are convicted by the law as transgressors.”
James boldly declares that displaying partiality or favoritism is not only contrary to God’s law but also an act of sin. By treating some people better than others or excluding certain individuals based on personal biases, we disobey the teachings of Jesus and are convicted as transgressors.
This verse serves as a stern reminder to avoid the trap of exclusivity and instead strive for fairness, equality, and inclusivity in our relationships and interactions with others. It challenges us to align our actions with God’s righteous standards and treat all people with love and respect.
1 Corinthians 12:12-13
“For just as the body is one and has many members, and all the members of the body, though many, are one body, so it is with Christ. For in one Spirit, we were all baptized into one body—Jews or Greeks, slaves or free—and all were made to drink of one Spirit.”
These verses highlight the unity amidst diversity within the body of Christ. They emphasize that regardless of backgrounds or societal divisions, believers are united as one body through the Holy Spirit.
This passage calls us to celebrate and embrace the differences in others, recognizing that in Christ, there is no distinction or exclusion based on nationality, social status, or any other external factor. It encourages us to foster inclusivity and work together in harmony, leveraging our diverse gifts and talents for God’s glory.
Luke 6:31
“And as you wish that others would do to you, do so to them.”
Known as the Golden Rule, this verse encapsulates the principle of treating others with inclusivity, kindness, and respect. Jesus teaches that we should treat others in the same way we desire to be treated.
Understanding the inherent worth and dignity of every individual, we are called to act in ways that promote inclusion, fairness, and compassion. By extending grace and love to others, without exclusions or discrimination, we embody the teachings of Christ and reflect His character to the world.
Proverbs 22:2
“The rich and the poor meet together; the Lord is the maker of them all.”
This verse reminds us that regardless of our socioeconomic status or background, we are all equal in the eyes of God. It emphasizes that God is the creator of all people, and no one should be excluded or treated differently based on their wealth or poverty.
In a world that often prioritizes wealth and material possessions, this verse challenges us to view others through God’s perspective and extend inclusivity to all. It encourages us to cultivate relationships that bridge social divides and reflect the unconditional love of our Maker.
John 15:12
“This is my commandment, that you love one another as I have loved you.”
In this verse, Jesus sets forth the commandment of love as the foundation for our relationships with one another. He calls us to love others not based on exclusivity or conditions but with the same selfless love that He has shown us.
By abiding in this commandment, we embrace inclusivity and strive to demonstrate the transformative power of God’s love to the world. This verse challenges us to cultivate a genuine love that transcends boundaries and reflects the character of Christ in our interactions with others.
Romans 15:7
“Therefore welcome one another as Christ has welcomed you, for the glory of God.”
Paul urges believers to welcome one another in the same way that Christ has welcomed us. This includes embracing one another without exclusion, as Christ’s acceptance knows no bounds and extends to all.
By extending a warm and inclusive welcome to others, we demonstrate the love and grace of Christ. This verse reminds us that our hospitality and inclusivity should be driven by a desire to bring glory to God, reflecting His heart for all people.
1 John 3:17-18
“But if anyone has the world’s goods and sees his brother in need, yet closes his heart against him, how does God’s love abide in him? Little children, let us not love in word or talk but in deed and in truth.”
These verses emphasize the importance of taking practical action to demonstrate love and inclusivity towards others. It challenges us not to merely offer empty words or platitudes but to show tangible love through our actions.
When we encounter those in need, it is an opportunity to extend inclusivity by meeting their physical, emotional, or spiritual needs. This verse reminds us that genuine love is demonstrated by our willingness to go beyond words and take concrete steps to alleviate the suffering and exclusion of others.
Colossians 3:11
“Here there is not Greek and Jew, circumcised and uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave, free; but Christ is all, and in all.”
In Colossians, Paul highlights the transforming power of Christ’s love that transcends cultural, racial, and social barriers. He emphasizes that in Christ, there is no room for exclusion or discrimination based on these categories.
This verse challenges us to dismantle prejudice or exclusivity and instead embrace the unity and inclusivity found in Christ. It reminds us that irrespective of our differences, Christ dwells within each believer, uniting us all as one body.
Deuteronomy 10:17-19
“For the Lord your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great, the mighty, and the awesome God, who is not partial and takes no bribe. He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing. Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.”
In this passage, Moses reminds the Israelites of God’s character and His impartiality towards all people. He emphasizes that God executes justice for the marginalized, including the fatherless, the widow, and the sojourner.
This verse challenges us to embrace inclusivity and extend love, care, and justice to those who are often excluded or overlooked. By doing so, we mirror God’s heart and fulfill our calling as His people.
Ephesians 2:14-16
“For he himself is our peace, who has made us both one and has broken down in his flesh the dividing wall of hostility by abolishing the law of commandments expressed in ordinances, that he might create in himself one new man in place of the two, so making peace, and might reconcile us both to God in one body through the cross, thereby killing the hostility.”
These verses highlight how Jesus, through His sacrificial death on the cross, has broken down the barriers and hostility that separate different groups of people. He has created a new humanity reconciled to God, regardless of previous divisions.
This passage calls us to actively pursue unity and inclusivity in our relationships, working towards peace and reconciliation among all people. We are reminded that our identity in Christ surpasses any societal divisions or exclusions.
Matthew 5:43-44
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
In these verses, Jesus challenges the crowd’s understanding of love. He teaches that true love extends beyond those who are easy to love and includes showing love towards enemies and those who persecute us.
This radical teaching encourages inclusivity by urging us to embrace even those who have wronged us. Through a spirit of love and forgiveness, we can extend the transformative power of Christ’s love to those who need it most, bridging gaps and breaking down walls of hostility.
Romans 14:1
“As for the one who is weak in faith, welcome him, but not to quarrel over opinions.”
Paul in Romans urges believers to welcome those who may have differing opinions or weaker faith, without entering into unnecessary quarrels or divisions. He instructs us to prioritize inclusivity and unity rather than focusing on minor disagreements.
This verse challenges us to extend grace and understanding to all believers, recognizing that our shared faith in Christ is what unites us. It reminds us to embrace diversity and refrain from excluding or belittling others based on differing perspectives or levels of spiritual maturity.
Galatians 6:2
“Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ.”
These words from Paul remind believers of their responsibility to support and carry the burdens of their fellow brothers and sisters in Christ. It encourages inclusivity by promoting a culture of compassion, care, and support within the body of believers.
By actively engaging in the lives of others, reaching out to help and support them in their times of need, we demonstrate the love and inclusivity that Christ has shown us. This verse highlights the transformative impact our actions can have when we willingly embrace the burdens of others.