Xenophobia refers to an unreasonable fear or hatred of foreigners, people from different cultures, or strangers. Throughout Scripture, God calls His people to welcome and care for the foreigner and sojourner living among them. However, the Bible also shows that xenophobia existed among God’s people and records God’s commands against mistreating foreigners.
Here are some key Bible verses about xenophobia and God’s perspective on how to treat foreigners:
Old Testament Verses on Loving Foreigners
“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.” (Leviticus 19:33-34)
“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.” (Deuteronomy 10:18-19)
“Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow.” Then all the people shall say, “Amen!” (Deuteronomy 27:19)
“This is what the LORD Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor.'” (Zechariah 7:9-10)
The Old Testament teaches that God loves and cares for foreigners and commanded Israel to treat them well. Israel was to provide justice, show mercy, and give food and clothing to foreigners since they knew what it was like to be mistreated in Egypt.
New Testament Verses on Loving Foreigners
“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, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.” (Matthew 25:35-36)
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)
Jesus taught we will be judged by how we treat those in need including strangers and foreigners. Paul also taught that cultural, ethnic, and gender differences no longer divide us since we are one in Christ.
Examples of Xenophobia
There are several examples in Scripture where xenophobia led to mistreatment of foreigners:
– The Egyptians oppressed the Israelites who lived as foreigners in their land (Exodus 1:8-14)
– Jonah did not want to preach to the people of Ninevah because they were foreigners and enemies of Israel (Book of Jonah)
– Jewish leaders criticized Jesus for interacting with and preaching to Samaritans who were viewed as foreigners (John 4:1-42)
– Some Jewish believers argued that Gentile followers of Jesus needed to be circumcised to truly be part of God’s people (Acts 15)
These examples show that xenophobia has always existed, but Scripture condemns mistreatment of foreigners and teaches that God’s salvation is for all peoples.
How Christians Should Treat Foreigners Today
Based on Scripture, here are some ways Christians today can avoid xenophobia and show love to foreigners:
– Welcome them into your community and church
– Befriend them to understand their culture and background
– Provide food, clothing and social services to foreigners in need
– Advocate for just laws and policies regarding immigration and asylum
– Learn their language to communicate effectively
– Share the good news of Jesus with them in culturally appropriate ways
– Include them in the life of your church without requiring full assimilation
– Respect and appreciate ethnic, cultural and religious differences
The Bible is clear that Christians should counter xenophobia with openness, compassion and practical care for the foreigners God places in our path.
Old Testament Warnings Against Xenophobia
In addition to commandments about caring for foreigners, the Old Testament contains warnings against xenophobia and mistreating foreigners:
– “You are to have the same law for the foreigner and the native-born.” (Leviticus 24:22)
– “You shall neither mistreat a stranger nor oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 22:21)
– “Also you shall not oppress a stranger, for you know the heart of a stranger, because you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 23:9)
– Ezekiel 22:29 condemns those who “mistreat the foreigner and do not judge the fatherless and the widow rightly.”
– Malachi 3:5 warns that God will judge those who “deprive the foreigners among you of justice.”
Israel was called to remember their own experience as foreigners in order to avoid xenophobia. God takes the mistreatment of foreigners very seriously.
Causes of Xenophobia According to the Bible
What causes xenophobia even among God’s people? Here are some potential roots according to Scripture:
– Fear – Fear of losing power, resources, culture or identity to outsiders can breed hostility (Exodus 1:8-10)
– Ignorance – Not understanding other cultures can lead to suspicion, distrust or hatred (Acts 17:16-34)
– Sinful Nature – Humans tend toward selfishness and prefer their own group over others (John 4:9)
– Wrong Teaching – Misinterpreting God’s Word can promote an “us vs them” mentality (Ezra 4:1-5)
– Pride – Feelings of superiority over other groups contributes to mistreatment (Luke 10:25-37)
Xenophobia stems from sinful human tendencies, not biblical truth. Scripture encourages understanding of and compassion for outsiders.
Bible Stories About Overcoming Xenophobia
Here are some key stories in the Bible that teach lessons about overcoming xenophobia:
Ruth – Ruth was a foreigner in Israel due to famine. However, Boaz welcomed her, treated her with dignity, and she became part of Jesus’ lineage (Book of Ruth).
Good Samaritan – Jesus told this parable to challenge prejudice against Samaritans. The hero cared for a wounded Jewish man despite ethnic divisions (Luke 10:25-37).
Philip and the Ethiopian – Philip preached the gospel to an Ethiopian foreigner and overcame cultural barriers to extend God’s kingdom (Acts 8:26-40).
Peter and Cornelius – Peter had to overcome his prejudice against Gentiles in order to preach the gospel to the Roman soldier Cornelius (Acts 10).
Paul in Athens – Paul adapted his preaching to connect with the culture and religion of the Greeks in Athens (Acts 17:16-34).
These examples model building bridges across cultures to spread the good news of Jesus to all nations.
Bible Verses Against Racism and Ethnocentrism
Racism and ethnocentrism are extreme forms of xenophobia. Here are some verses against racial prejudice and cultural superiority:
– “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)
– “Show no partiality as you hold the faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.” (James 2:1)
– “God does not show favoritism but accepts people from every nation who fear him and do what is right.” (Acts 10:34-35)
– “Here there is no Gentile or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.” (Colossians 3:11)
– “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.” (John 3:16)
The New Testament makes it clear that the gospel overcomes all racial, ethnic and cultural barriers. No culture or ethnicity is superior in God’s eyes.
Conclusion
Xenophobia has been present throughout human history, but Christians are called to a higher standard. Scripture teaches us to welcome strangers, love foreigners, and share the gospel across manmade barriers. With the Spirit’s help, believers can overcome fear and prejudice to reflect God’s love for all people.