How Scripture Commands Us to Treat Immigrants

In today’s world, immigration remains one of the most emotionally charged and divisive issues. While nations debate policies, borders, and laws, Christians are called to a higher standard one rooted in the timeless wisdom of Scripture. The Bible does not shy away from this subject. Instead, it speaks repeatedly and clearly about how we are to treat immigrants, refugees, and strangers.

From the Old Testament through the New Testament, God consistently commands His people to show compassion and care for foreigners. The Bible reminds us that many of our ancestors were once foreigners, making this not just a political issue, but a deeply spiritual one.

Love the Foreigner as Yourself

In Leviticus 19:33-34, God commands, “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 is not a suggestion it is a direct command. Just as the Israelites were once strangers in Egypt, believers today are called to extend love and equality to foreigners living among them.

Provision for the Foreigner

God’s concern for the foreigner goes beyond just kind treatment; He also commands provision. In Leviticus 19:9-10, the Israelites are instructed not to harvest every last bit of their crops but to leave some for the poor and the foreigner. This principle of leaving the edges of the fields unharvested allowed those in need to gather food, ensuring no one was left destitute.

Today, over 108 million people worldwide are forcibly displaced due to conflict, persecution, or disaster, according to UNHCR data. These biblical instructions remain profoundly relevant as millions seek refuge and sustenance far from home.

God’s Heart for the Stranger

Deuteronomy 10:18-19 reveals the very heart of God “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 character is one of justice and mercy. He not only loves the foreigner but expects His people to mirror that love.

Neglecting the Needy is a Grave Sin

The prophet Ezekiel exposes the root sin of Sodom in Ezekiel 16:49: “Now this was the sin of your sister Sodom She and her daughters were arrogant, overfed and unconcerned; they did not help the poor and needy.” Failing to care for the vulnerable including immigrants is portrayed as a serious offense.

Shockingly, a 2023 Pew Research study found that 68% of Christians in the U.S. feel conflicted about immigration policy, often torn between national interests and biblical mandates. Yet, Scripture leaves little ambiguity about our personal response to those in need.

Justice for the Foreigner

Malachi 3:5 warns that God will stand against those who oppress foreigners “I will be quick to testify against... those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive the foreigners among you of justice.” True justice includes fair treatment for all, regardless of national origin or legal status.

God Hears the Foreigner’s Prayer

In 1 Kings 8:41-44, King Solomon prays that God would hear the prayers of foreigners who come to His temple, demonstrating that God’s mercy extends beyond Israel. “Do whatever the foreigner asks of you, so that all the peoples of the earth may know your name and fear you.” God desires that His name be known among all nations, showing that inclusion of foreigners serves His greater mission.

A Call to Radical Hospitality

Job’s personal testimony in Job 31:32 reflects a life of generous hospitality “No stranger had to spend the night in the street, for my door was always open to the traveler.” This echoes God’s call for His people to live open-handed, welcoming the stranger as family.

The Words of Jesus on Welcoming the Stranger

In Matthew 25:35-36, Jesus equates welcoming the stranger with welcoming Himself “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.” Our response to immigrants and refugees is not merely social; it is deeply spiritual and reflects our love for Christ.

We Are All Part of One Body

Paul reminds the church in 1 Corinthians 12:12-14 that, through Christ, we are all unified: “For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free.” The divisions of nationality and ethnicity dissolve in the body of Christ. Each believer is part of one global family.

Love Your Neighbor

Galatians 5:14 simplifies the law into one powerful command “Love your neighbor as yourself.” Immigrants and refugees are not distant strangers; they are our neighbors.

The Parable of the Good Samaritan

When Jesus was asked, “Who is my neighbor?” He responded with the story of the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:29-37. The Samaritan crossed cultural and national boundaries to care for someone in desperate need. Jesus concluded, “Go and do likewise.”

A Timeless Mandate

Throughout Scripture, God’s instruction remains consistent: care for the foreigner, protect the vulnerable, and love without condition. In a world grappling with complicated immigration issues, Christians are called to embody the compassion, mercy, and justice of our Savior.

According to the World Migration Report 2024, over 281 million people globally live outside their country of birth. These staggering numbers bring fresh urgency to the ancient commands of Scripture. The Church has the opportunity to stand as a witness of God’s heart, offering not just charity, but dignity, friendship, and family to those far from home.

As followers of Christ, may we reflect His love in both word and deed extending open arms to the foreigner as though welcoming Christ Himself.

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