Welcome the Foreigner: What the Bible Says
The Bible speaks clearly about how we are to treat foreigners, strangers, or sojourners. These verses remind us of God’s heart for inclusion, compassion, and justice.
The message is clear.
We are to welcome the foreigner, treat them well, help them, and love them.
🕊️ Old Testament
Leviticus 19:33–34 (NIV)
“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.”
Deuteronomy 10:18–19 (NIV)
“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.”
Exodus 22:21 (NIV)
“Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.”
✝️ New Testament
Matthew 25:35 (NIV)
“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.”
Hebrews 13:2 (NIV)
“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”
These scriptures call us to love and welcome others, just as God has welcomed us.
Welcome the foreigner.
It’s the right thing to do.
