The Bible has a lot to say about how followers of Christ should view and treat refugees. As Christians, we are called to love our neighbors, welcome the stranger, care for the poor and oppressed, and show compassion to those in need. Though the Bible does not directly address the modern refugee crisis, there are many principles and commands that should guide how Christians respond.
Old Testament Teachings on Refugees
In the Old Testament, God reminds the Israelites to care for foreigners and strangers among them because they too had been foreigners in Egypt (Exodus 22:21, Exodus 23:9, Leviticus 19:33-34). God commands the Israelites not to mistreat or oppress foreigners, reminding them that they once were foreigners and that God hears their cries (Exodus 22:21). God also instructed Israel to leave food in their fields for foreigners and the poor to glean (Leviticus 19:10). The prophets often condemned Israel for failing to care for widows, orphans and foreigners among them (Jeremiah 7:5-7, Zechariah 7:8-10). Overall, the Old Testament law emphasizes justice, compassion and care for the vulnerable.
Jesus’ Teachings on Serving the Poor and Oppressed
In the New Testament, Jesus consistently stood up for and cared for the poor, sick and marginalized. He urged his followers to invite the poor and outcast to their feasts instead of their wealthy friends (Luke 14:12-14). Jesus said that when we serve the “least of these”, we are serving Him (Matthew 25:31-46). Jesus teaches us to love our neighbor as ourselves (Mark 12:31), and the story of the Good Samaritan reminds us that our “neighbor” includes those different from us and in need (Luke 10:25-37). Jesus Himself depended on the hospitality of strangers at various points in His ministry.
Welcoming the Stranger and Foreigner
The New Testament writers frequently encourage Christians to show hospitality, especially to strangers and foreigners. Hebrews 13:2 reminds us not to neglect hospitality to strangers, “for by this some have entertained angels unawares.” 1 Peter 4:9 instructs believers to “Show hospitality to one another without grumbling”, and Romans 12:13 says we should pursue hospitality. Scripture portrays hospitality as a joyful act of service, not a burdensome duty. As many refugees have lost everything, Christians must be willing to generously share food, shelter and resources with those in dire need.
Caring for the Vulnerable and Oppressed
God cares deeply for the poor, oppressed and vulnerable. Proverbs 14:31 states “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.” As those fleeing war, violence and poverty, refugees epitomize the vulnerable and oppressed. Scripture consistently portrays God as their defender and calls on God’s people to share His heart for the downtrodden. Isaiah 1:17 says to “Seek justice. Help the oppressed. Defend the cause of orphans. Fight for the rights of widows.” Christians must speak up and care for the rights and needs of refugees.
Being Compassionate as God Is
As followers of Christ, we are called to reflect God’s heart of compassion for those in need. Jesus was “moved with compassion” when He saw the hungry crowds and healed the sick (Matthew 14:14). As Ephesians 4:32 says, we should be “compassionate, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you.” Galatians 6:2 also reminds us to “Carry one another’s burdens, and in this way you will fulfill the law of Christ.” God deeply cares for refugees, so we must seek to embody His compassion.
Obeying the Call to Love Our Neighbor
Jesus said the 2 greatest commandments are to love God and love our neighbor (Matthew 22:36-40). Loving our neighbor necessitates caring for their needs and praying for their wellbeing. 1 John 3:17 states “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person?” When we love and serve refugees, we demonstrate Christ’s love.
Being Good Samaritans
In Luke 10, Jesus tells the parable of the Good Samaritan, praising the Samaritan who helped the man beaten and robbed on the road when the religious elite had passed him by. Though helping refugees may be inconvenient and costly, Christians must follow the Good Samaritan’s example of compassion. We cannot let prejudice, fear or apathy prevent us from helping those desperate for refuge.
Welcoming Refugees as Valuable People
Scripture teaches that all people have immeasurable worth as image bearers of God (Genesis 1:27). Refugees are not statistics, but precious individuals loved by God. Christians must be careful to view refugees as beloved creations of God, not simply as burdens or threats. Though refugees may seem “other” to us, the Bible teaches that God shows no partiality (Romans 2:11). We must see refugees as God sees them.
Generously Sharing Resources
Refugees often have nothing but the clothes on their backs. As Christians with resources, we must follow biblical commands to generously share with those in need. Isaiah 58:7 tells us to share food and shelter with the poor, and 1 Timothy 6:18 says to be “rich in good deeds” and generous. Rather than hoarding possessions and comforts, we can share generously with refugee ministries and families. This honors God.
Advocating for the Rights of Refugees
Christians can speak up for refugees’ wellbeing and fair treatment through advocacy and contacting representatives. God calls His people to “loose the bonds of injustice” and “let the oppressed go free” (Isaiah 58:6). Though refugees are often powerless to change policies, we can speak up on their behalf. We can advocate for just refugee resettlement policies and adequate support for refugees.
Cautiously Considering Security Concerns
Though Scripture calls us to welcome strangers in need, Christians can thoughtfully consider how to balance compassion and security concerns. Governments have a duty to protect their citizens. However, Christians must avoid prejudice and promote policies that show mercy, protect the vulnerable, and provide refuge to those in need (Matthew 10:16). Blanket discrimination against any group goes against biblical principles of justice.
Being Willing to Sacrifice Comforts
Caring for refugees often requires sacrifice. However, Jesus calls His followers to take up their cross and follow Him, even when difficult (Luke 9:23). Hebrews 13:16 encourages us not to neglect doing good and sharing what we have. While aiding refugees can be uncomfortable and disruptive, Christians should see sacrifice as a privilege and act of worship when it allows us to show Christ’s love.
Partnering with Churches and Ministries
Though individual actions matter, Christians can make the biggest impact by working through churches and ministries aiding refugees. This allows for coordinated efforts and specialized aid. Romans 12:4-5 describes the Church as a body, with each part needing the others. Believers can volunteer, donate, support refugee ministries, and urge their churches to get involved. Unity maximizes aid impact.
Seeking Wisdom in Application
Determining the right response to an overwhelming crisis requires prayer for wisdom. While Scripture provides guiding principles, applying them well takes discernment. Christians should thoughtfully, not reactively, consider how to best embody God’s compassion for refugees. We must humbly seek wisdom from church leadership, policy experts and refugees themselves to shape constructive, caring solutions.
Trusting God with Outcomes
Even if Christians actively love and serve refugees, we cannot control outcomes. However, we can rest in God’s sovereignty, knowing He cares for refugees far more than we do. As Psalm 146:9 says, “The Lord watches over the foreigner and sustains the fatherless and the widow.” We can rely on God to work even when situations seem hopeless. He intimately knows each refugee’s needs.
Overcoming Fear with God’s Love
Fear often hinders compassion, but “perfect love drives out fear” (1 John 4:18). Rather than making decisions based on fear, Christians must actively love. Welcoming strangers requires courage, but God promises to be with us (Joshua 1:9). When choosing love over fear, we can leave outcomes in God’s hands. His love never fails.
Praying for Refugees and Workers
Prayer allows us to love refugees even when action seems impossible. We can cry out for God’s supernatural intervention and care over them. Believers should also pray for refugee workers’ strength and wisdom. Prayer acknowledges our dependence on God in overwhelming situations. He hears the prayers of the oppressed and encourages our hearts as we intercede for them.
Living Out the Gospel
Caring for refugees provides opportunities to show God’s unconditional love. Christians can meet urgent physical needs of refugees while also humbly sharing the eternal hope of the Gospel. We love refugees not only in word, but deed (1 John 3:18). When refugees experience faithful, compassionate care, they glimpse God’s grace and redemption.
Relying on the Holy Spirit’s Guidance
Responding to refugees according to God’s will requires sensitivity to the Spirit’s guidance. When believers humbly seek and obey the Spirit, He enables us to carry out God’s work (Zechariah 4:6). The Spirit produces Christ-like compassion in us and guides refugee ministry efforts. As we remain connected to God, the Spirit will lead the way we care for refugees.
Remembering Our Own Salvation
The Bible reminds believers that though once strangers to God’s mercy, He graciously saved us (Ephesians 2). We too were destitute and helpless without hope. Yet Christ took pity on us and made us sons and daughters. As recipients of undeserved grace, we must extend the same grace to others. Our salvation should compel love for refugees.
Looking Forward to Our Eternal Home
As Christians, this world is not our home. Our true citizenship is in heaven (Philippians 3:20). This earthly life is temporary, but eternity awaits all who trust in Christ. Clinging tightly to worldly comforts and security is unwise in light of eternity. We can freely give of ourselves and possessions now, knowing our real home is secure in God’s presence.
Imitating Christ’s Sacrificial Love
Jesus gave up heavenly glory to meet our greatest need for a Savior. He humbled Himself, left comforts behind, and made the ultimate sacrifice out of perfect love (Philippians 2:5-8). When we sacrifice and suffer discomfort to serve refugees, we follow Christ’s example. His love compels us to count all as loss compared to knowing Him (Philippians 3:8).
Acting from Christ-like Character
More than outward actions, God cares about our character. He produces compassion, humility, justice, mercy and generosity within us (Galatians 5:22-23). Acting from Christ-like character guides our refugee response. Though giving millions may garner praise, God values quietly giving from a loving heart (Mark 12:41-44). Our character should determine our decisions.
Serving God, Not Man or Politics
Though public opinions shift, God’s truth remains steady. Christians must base refugee response on scriptural principles, not merely emotions or human political positions. While being good citizens (Romans 13:1-7), our primary allegiance is to the unchanging God. We serve God before any earthly authority. His timeless Word guides our actions towards refugees.
Avoiding Apathy and Pursuing Justice
It can be tempting to grow apathetic towards the massive refugee crisis and global suffering. However, God hates injustice and commands His people to seek justice and correct oppression (Isaiah 1:17). Though we cannot fix everything, we must avoid complacency and seek creative ways to make a difference. Letting God’s heart break over injustice motivates compassion.
Being Good Stewards of Resources
While generously giving to refugees in crisis, Christians must also exercise wisdom. We are called to be good stewards of all God provides (1 Peter 4:10). It is prudent to research refugee ministries and programs to support those using resources effectively and honoring God. Wise stewardship allows us to aid more refugees.
Walking in Humility and Grace
Scripture warns against thinking too highly of ourselves (Romans 12:3). Pride can prevent us from serving the lowly and associating with outcasts. Though refugees have little to offer in return, we must show Christlike humility and grace in caring for them. We too were undeserving recipients of God’s grace and mercy.
Being Quick to Listen, Slow to Judge
Refugees come from complex situations that are difficult for outsiders to fully grasp. We must avoid assumptions and hasty judgments, instead listening compassionately to their stories. Proverbs 18:13 warns that it is foolish to answer before listening fully. While exercising discernment, we must believe the best in refugees until proven otherwise.
In conclusion, though directly addressing refugees is challenging, the Bible gives relevant principles to guide our response. Christians are called to reflect God’s character of compassion, mercy, justice and grace to the vulnerable. As we wrestle with how to embody unchanging biblical truth in fast-changing times, God promises to give wisdom when we ask in faith (James 1:5). Loving Christ must compel loving others, including the homeless refugee.