Bible verses about caring for foreigners
This article was adapted from one originally published by United Bible Societies.
God makes it absolutely clear in the Bible that we are to care for the ‘foreigners’ or ‘strangers’ in our midst. Jesus himself experienced life in a foreign land in his early years, and always preached about the importance of showing love to the most vulnerable in our societies. Read and share these verses about the importance of welcoming and caring for the most vulnerable people.
1. Do not mistreat foreigners who are living in your land. Treat them as you would an Israelite, and love them as you love yourselves. Remember that you were once foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.
- Leviticus 19:33-34 (GNT)
2. He makes sure that orphans and widows are treated fairly; he loves the foreigners who live with our people, and gives them food and clothes. So then, show love for those foreigners, because you were once foreigners in Egypt.
- Deuteronomy 10:18-19 (GNT)
3. “Long ago I gave these commands to my people: ‘You must see that justice is done, and must show kindness and mercy to one another. Do not oppress widows, orphans, foreigners who live among you, or anyone else in need.”
- Zechariah 7:9 (GNT)
4. I am the Lord, and I consider all people the same, whether they are Israelites or foreigners living among you.
- Numbers 15:16 (GNT)
5. See that justice is done – help those who are oppressed, give orphans their rights, and defend widows.
- Isaiah 1:17 (GNT)
6. If you give food to the hungry and satisfy those who are in need, then the darkness around you will turn to the brightness of noon.
- Isaiah 58:10 (GNT)
7. Remember to welcome strangers in your homes. There were some who did that and welcomed angels without knowing it.
- Hebrews 13:2 (GNT)
8. “Whoever has two shirts must give one to the man who has none, and whoever has food must share it.”
- Luke 3:11 (GNT)
