Living by the Calling to Love and Care for All
In a world marked by migration and cultural diversity, the question of how to treat those living in a foreign land has grown ever more pertinent. The Bible, as a guiding spiritual text for millions, provides timeless wisdom on this matter. Its teachings are rooted in principles of compassion, justice, and empathy, emphasizing the importance of treating foreigners and immigrants with the same dignity and respect afforded to any member of society. These directives challenge believers to rise above prejudice and fear, fostering a world that embodies love and fairness.
Love and Kindness
At the heart of the Bible’s message regarding foreigners is the commandment to love one’s neighbor. This love is not confined to those who share the same culture, nationality, or social status; it extends to all, including those who are different. Leviticus 19:33-34 provides an explicit directive: “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.”
This call to love reflects the understanding that all humans are part of the same family. It acknowledges that differences in language, customs, or appearance do not diminish the shared humanity that binds us all. Through love, believers are encouraged to bridge divides, welcoming and embracing others with open arms.
Justice and Fairness
The Bible emphasizes that justice must be impartial and inclusive. Foreigners are not to be seen as outsiders unworthy of fairness; rather, they are to be treated with the same justice as native-born citizens. Deuteronomy 27:19 declares, “Cursed is the one who corrupts justice in regard to an immigrant, orphan, or widow.” This verse underscores the gravity of ensuring justice for all, regardless of one’s background.
Justice involves more than avoiding direct harm—it requires actively addressing inequities and advocating for the rights of the marginalized. By treating foreigners with fairness, societies demonstrate a commitment to the moral integrity that the Bible upholds.
Avoiding Oppression
The Bible sternly warns against oppressing foreigners, recognizing the vulnerability they often face. Exodus 23:9 states, “Do not oppress a foreigner; you yourselves know how it feels to be foreigners, because you were foreigners in Egypt.” This verse serves as a poignant reminder of shared experiences and the moral obligation to empathize with others.
Oppression takes many forms, from blatant acts of discrimination to systemic barriers that prevent individuals from thriving. The biblical call to avoid oppression compels believers to challenge these injustices, advocating for policies and attitudes that uplift rather than harm.
Empathy and Remembering History
Empathy is a recurring theme in the Bible’s instructions regarding foreigners. The Israelites’ own history as strangers in Egypt is frequently invoked as a lesson in compassion. Having experienced oppression firsthand, they were called to treat others with the kindness they wished they had received.
This historical perspective encourages a sense of humility and solidarity. It invites believers to reflect on their own journeys—whether personal or ancestral—and to extend the same understanding they would hope for in return.
Care for the Vulnerable
Throughout the Bible, foreigners are often grouped with widows and orphans as individuals deserving of special care. These groups represent the most vulnerable members of society, those who are most likely to be overlooked or exploited. Psalm 146:9 affirms, “The Lord watches over the strangers; he upholds the orphan and the widow, but the way of the wicked he brings to ruin.”
Caring for the vulnerable is not merely a suggestion; it is a divine mandate. Believers are called to provide tangible support, whether through hospitality, advocacy, or acts of service. By doing so, they reflect God’s own care for those in need.
Practical Applications
The Bible’s teachings on treating foreigners are not abstract ideals—they are deeply practical. In today’s context, these principles can be applied in numerous ways:
· Embracing diversity by fostering inclusive communities where people from all backgrounds feel valued and respected.
· Advocating for fair immigration policies that protect the rights and dignity of immigrants and refugees.
· Providing resources and support to help newcomers integrate, such as language classes, job training, and cultural orientation programs.
· Standing against hate speech and prejudice, promoting understanding and dialogue instead.
· Offering acts of kindness, such as inviting a foreign neighbor to share a meal or assisting them in navigating local systems.
A Modern Context: Challenges and Opportunities
The biblical directives to love, protect, and support foreigners are as relevant today as ever. However, modern societies face unique challenges in living out these principles. Stories of family separations, injustices in detention centers, and xenophobic rhetoric highlight the urgent need for compassion and justice in immigration policies.
Yet, these challenges also present opportunities for growth. By prioritizing empathy and fairness, individuals and communities can create environments where diversity is celebrated rather than feared. Believers, in particular, have the chance to embody the Bible’s teachings in ways that inspire others to follow suit.
Conclusion
The Bible’s message regarding foreigners and immigrants is clear: they are to be loved, treated fairly, and protected from harm. These principles are not merely moral obligations—they are reflections of God’s own character. By embracing compassion and justice, believers can contribute to a world where everyone, regardless of origin, is treated with the dignity and respect they deserve.
Leviticus 19:33-34, Exodus 23:9, and the many other verses that address this topic serve as powerful reminders of the shared humanity that transcends borders and differences. As societies grow increasingly interconnected, the call to care for foreigners is not just a biblical imperative—it is a necessary step toward building a more compassionate and just world.
Minister A Francine Green
October 2026
afrancinegreen.com 