The Bible doesn’t explicitly discuss nationalism in modern terms, but it does emphasize unity under God and the importance of treating others with love and respect. While loving one’s country is not condemned, scripture warns against placing national identity above faith and love for all humanity.
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What Does The Bible Say About Nationalism
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 to treat foreigners with kindness, empathy, and respect, as we were once in their shoes, experiencing displacement and the challenges that come with being a stranger in a foreign land.
It emphasizes the importance of embracing a spirit of hospitality and inclusivity, rejecting any form of oppression or discrimination towards those who are different from us.
Romans 12:13
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
This verse encourages us to be generous and compassionate towards those who are in need, especially fellow believers.
It calls us to embody the teachings of Christ by providing support, care, and hospitality to our brothers and sisters in faith, fostering a sense of unity and solidarity within the body of Christ.
Leviticus 19:33-34
“When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. 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.”
This passage echoes the sentiment expressed in Exodus 23:9, emphasizing the importance of showing love and kindness to foreigners who live among us.
It serves as a reminder that our actions should reflect the character of God, who is just and compassionate, and that we should strive to treat others with the same grace and dignity that we would want for ourselves.
1 Peter 2:17
“Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.”
This verse instructs us to exhibit respect towards all individuals, regardless of their nationality or background.
It emphasizes the importance of loving and caring for fellow believers, while also recognizing the authority and leadership of those in power, as long as it aligns with God’s principles.
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 verse highlights the transformative power of Christ, breaking down the barriers that divide us based on race, social status, or gender.
It calls us to embrace a sense of unity and equality in Christ, reminding us that our identity as believers transcends all worldly distinctions, fostering a spirit of inclusivity and acceptance.
James 2:8
“If you really keep the royal law found in Scripture, ‘Love your neighbor as yourself,’ you are doing right.”
This verse emphasizes the importance of loving our neighbors as ourselves, regardless of their nationality.
It serves as a reminder that love should be the guiding principle in our interactions with others, promoting unity, understanding, and empathy, regardless of cultural or ethnic differences.
Psalm 133:1
“How good and pleasant it is when God’s people live together in unity!”
This verse celebrates the beauty and harmony that results when God’s people come together in unity.
It encourages us to seek reconciliation and understanding with one another, transcending any divisions or prejudices that nationalism may foster, and instead promoting a sense of unity and peace among believers.
Matthew 5:43-44
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”
This verse challenges us to extend love and grace not only to our neighbors but also to our enemies, viewing them through the lens of compassion and forgiveness.
It calls us to rise above nationalist divisions and instead demonstrate the transformative power of Christ’s love, even towards those who may be hostile or opposed to us.
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 passage highlights the impartiality of God, who welcomes individuals from every nation into His kingdom, as long as they seek Him and live according to His righteous ways.
It serves as a reminder that our allegiance should ultimately be to God and His principles, transcending any nationalistic tendencies that may divide us from our fellow believers.
Jeremiah 29:7
“Also, seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile. Pray to the LORD for it, because if it prospers, you too will prosper.”
This verse instructs God’s people to actively seek the well-being and peace of the city or nation where they find themselves, even if they are in exile.
It reminds us that as Christians, we have a responsibility to contribute positively to society, seeking the common good and welfare of the nation we reside in, while also seeking God’s guidance and praying for His blessings upon it.
Philippians 3:20
“But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ.”
This verse reminds us that as followers of Christ, our ultimate citizenship is in heaven, not tied to any earthly nation.
It encourages us to keep our focus on the eternal kingdom of God, rather than becoming overly preoccupied with earthly nationalistic pursuits. Our loyalty and allegiance should be first and foremost to God’s kingdom and His purposes.
Proverbs 14:21
“Whoever despises his neighbor is a sinner, but blessed is he who is generous to the poor.”
This proverb underscores the importance of treating our neighbors with respect and kindness, regardless of their nationality or background.
It reminds us that selfishness and prejudice are contrary to God’s principles, and instead, we should demonstrate generosity and compassion towards those who are less fortunate, regardless of their national identity.
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 highlights the transformation that takes place when we accept Christ, becoming part of God’s family and His kingdom.
It reinforces the idea that our identity as believers is not defined by our nationality but by our relationship with God, uniting us with fellow believers regardless of their cultural or national background.
Romans 13:1
“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God.”
This verse calls believers to submit to the governing authorities appointed by God, recognizing that they ultimately derive their authority from Him.
It encourages us to maintain a respectful attitude towards our nation’s leaders and institutions, while also prioritizing obedience to God’s commandments when they may conflict with nationalist ideologies.
Isaiah 56:7
“these I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer. Their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.”
This verse prophesies about the inclusivity and universality of God’s house of prayer, where people from all nations will come together to worship Him.
It reminds us that the church should be a place of refuge and unity, transcending national boundaries and welcoming people from diverse backgrounds into a shared experience of worship and fellowship.
John 13:35
“By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.”
This verse emphasizes the significance of love within the Christian faith, highlighting it as the distinguishing characteristic of Christ’s disciples.
It implies that through our love for one another, regardless of national differences, we display to the world the transformative and unifying power of the Gospel.
Deuteronomy 10:17-19
“For the LORD your God is God of gods and Lord of lords, the great God, mighty and awesome, who shows no partiality and accepts no bribes. 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.”
This passage affirms the attributes of God as a just and compassionate ruler who shows no favoritism.
It calls His people to emulate His character by extending care and love to foreigners, reflecting on their own history of being foreigners in Egypt and experiencing God’s grace and provision.
Colossians 3:11
“Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.”
This verse echoes the sentiment expressed in Galatians 3:28, emphasizing the unity and equality that believers experience in Christ.
It reminds us to look beyond nationalistic divisions and embrace the diverse unity found in the body of Christ, where Christ’s presence is equally present and valued in every believer, regardless of their background.
Psalm 146:9
“The LORD watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow, but he frustrates the ways of the wicked.”
This verse reassures us of God’s care and protection for foreigners, as well as vulnerable members of society such as orphans and widows.
It reminds us of God’s just nature, ensuring that those who mistreat or exploit marginalized individuals will ultimately face His divine judgment.
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 emphasizes the significance of extending hospitality and practical care to those in need, including strangers.
It reminds us of our call to emulate the compassionate heart of Christ by providing sustenance, care, and welcome to individuals, regardless of their national identity.
Romans 14:1
“Accept the one whose faith is weak, without quarreling over disputable matters.”
This verse encourages believers to demonstrate grace and understanding towards those who may hold different viewpoints or have weaker faith.
It reminds us to prioritize unity and fellowship over divisive debates about nationalistic ideologies, seeking common ground in our shared faith in Christ.
1 Corinthians 12:13
“For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body—whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free—and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.”
This verse emphasizes the unifying work of the Holy Spirit, who brings believers from diverse backgrounds together to form one body in Christ.
It reminds us that our identity in Christ surpasses any nationalistic distinctions, removing barriers and fostering a sense of interconnectedness as we partake in God’s Spirit.
Matthew 5:9
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called children of God.”
This verse highlights the importance of actively pursuing peace and reconciliation, rather than engaging in divisive nationalist pursuits.
It encourages us to be agents of peace, seeking to bridge gaps and foster understanding between people from different national backgrounds, embodying our identity as children of God.
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
This verse calls believers to demonstrate love and honor towards one another, putting the needs and interests of others before our own.
It reminds us that our love and devotion should extend to fellow believers, regardless of their national identity, fostering a sense of unity and mutual respect within the body of Christ.