The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. (Leviticus 19:33-34) Leave Food for the Poor and the Foreigner When you reap the harvest of your land, do not reap to the very edges of your field or gather the gleanings of your harvest.
Full Answer
What does the Bible say about the treatment of immigrants?
Here’s what all Bibles teach about the treatment of immigrants. “The Lord your God is the God of all gods and Lord of all lords, the great, mighty, and awesome God who doesn’t play favorites and doesn’t take bribes. He enacts justice for orphans and widows, and he loves immigrants, giving them food and clothing.
Does the Bible influence evangelical views on immigration?
A LifeWay Research poll commissioned by the Evangelical Immigration Table in 2015 found that just 12 percent of evangelicals cited the Bible as the primary influencer of their thinking about immigration (LifeWay Research, “ Evangelical Views on Immigration ,” February 2015).
What are some examples of Commandments in the Bible for immigrants?
There are examples of commandments that shed light on having the same law for an immigrate and the native-born. “At the end of seven years, you shall have a release of debts …
What should Christians do when immigration laws are unjust?
If it is your conviction that an immigration law is unjust, do everything that is legally within your power to get the law changed: pray, petition, vote, peacefully protest, etc. As Christians, we should be the first to seek to change any law that is unjust.
What does the Bible say about the treatment of immigrants?
All three of the great law codes of the Hebrew Bible in Exodus, Leviticus and Deuteronomy contain the same command regarding the treatment of the stranger. “When a stranger resides with you in your land, you shall not wrong him.
What does the Bible say about foreign invaders?
You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.” Similarly reads Exodus 22:21: “You shall not wrong a sojourner or oppress him, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.”
What does Jesus say about the refugee?
The stranger is Jesus in disguise Christ says to those at his right hand that they are “blessed” because “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” The righteous then ask, “When did we see you, a stranger, and welcome you?”
What does the Bible say about protecting your country?
Psalm 82:3 (NIV) “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and oppressed.”
What did Jesus say about treating foreigners?
Treat foreigners or refugees as citizens and with love. Most Christians are aware of Jesus' instruction to “love your neighbor as yourself,” but may not be as familiar with the law of Moses that has the same instruction for treating foreigners.
What does the Bible say about refugees and immigrants?
God's instructions to Moses are to care for the refugee, immigrant and foreign stranger. “God loves the stranger” is the message in Deuteronomy 10, verse 18, with Psalm 146 citing that God protects the stranger.
What does the Bible say about welcoming immigrants?
Within the New Testament, which Christians read in continuity with the Hebrew Bible or “The Old Testament,” the most often cited passage dealing with welcoming the stranger is from Matthew 25: 31-40. “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.”
What does the church say about immigration?
Church Position on Migration Policy The Catholic Church in the United States does not support open borders, illegal immigration, or an “amnesty” that would grant legal status to all unauthorized immigrants.
How should Christians help refugees?
for refugees and their homelands Only God can bring the healing and peace our world needs. But God hears your prayers. This makes your prayers an important form of advocacy. Through prayer, you can advocate for healing, peace, and safety that only God can provide.
Where in the Bible does it talk about refugees?
Leviticus 19:34 “The foreigners residing among you must be treated as native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt.
What does Joshua 24 15 say?
15 And if it seem evil unto you to serve the Lord, achoose you bthis day whom ye will cserve; whether the gods which your fathers served that were on the other side of the flood, or the gods of the Amorites, in whose land ye dwell: but as for me and my dhouse, we will eserve the Lord.
What does the Bible say about human rights?
For the whole law is summed up in a single commandment, “You shall love your neighbor as yourself.” Freedom, equality, and dignity are bestowed on all by virtue of being human, made in the image of God. In Galatians, the Apostle Paul reminds us that these rights are not earned but divinely ordained.
What does the Bible say about immigrants?
As evangelical Old Testament scholar Daniel Carroll explores in depth in his book Christians at the Border: Immigration, the Church and the Bible, many of the most prominent characters in the stories of the Bible were themselves immigrants, crossing borders to reside in another land at one point or another.
What is the evangelical immigration table?
The Evangelical Immigration Table exists to encourage distinctly biblical thinking about issues of immigration, providing discipleship resources focused on immigration from a biblical and missional perspective as well as advocating for public policies consistent with biblical values, specifically restitution based immigration reform.
What does Jeremiah say about protecting the vulnerable?
Later, prophets such as Jeremiah and Zechariah remind God’s people of their obligation to protect the vulnerable: “Do what is just and right. ...Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow” ( Jeremiah 22:3 ). “Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor” ( Zechariah 7:10 ). The prophet Malachi announces God’s judgment against those “who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive the foreigners among you of justice” ( Malachi 3:5 ).
What does God's command concerning the foreigner demonstrate?
Indeed, God’s commands concerning the foreigner demonstrate his own character, compassion and concern for those in need. It is not too much to say that we know more of who God is and what his salvation is like through comprehending his love for the sojourner.
What does the Old Testament say about the vulnerable?
God Loves the Vulnerable (Including Refugeees and Immigrants) In addition to various stories of refugees and migrants, the Old Testament also tells us about the character of God toward immigrants and others who are vulnerable. For example, he tells the Israelites to go through their wheat fields, olive groves and vineyards just one time: “Leave ...
When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong?
Leviticus 19:33-34 ESV - “When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.
Why did Isaac and Jacob move to Judah?
His son Isaac and grandson Jacob later move because of famine as well. Generations later, Naomi and her family are motivated by hunger to migrate from the land of Judah, then eventually reports of adequate food lead Naomi to return, now accompanied by her daughter-in-law Ruth.
What does the Bible say about immigration?
There are examples of commandments that shed light on having the same law for an immigrate and the native-born. “At the end of seven years, you shall have a release of debts … Of a foreigner you may require it; but you shall give up your claim to what is owed by your brother” (Deuteronomy 15:1-3). Learn more from our list of Bible verses about immigration below.
What does the Bible say about foreigners?
18 He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. 19 And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.
What does the Bible say about the widow?
9 “This is what the LORD Almighty said: ‘Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. 10 Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. Do not plot evil against each other.’
What does the Bible say about poor Israelites?
35 “ ‘If any of your fellow Israelites become poor and are unable to support themselves among you, help them as you would a foreigner and stranger, so they can continue to live among you.
How to submit to the authority?
1 Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. 2 Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. 3 For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. 4 For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. 5 Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. 6 This is also why you pay taxes, for the authorities are God’s servants, who give their full time to governing. 7 Give to everyone what you owe them: If you owe taxes, pay taxes; if revenue, then revenue; if respect, then respect; if honor, then honor. 8 Let no debt remain outstanding, except the continuing debt to love one another, for whoever loves others has fulfilled the law. 9 The commandments, “You shall not commit adultery,” “You shall not murder,” “You shall not steal,” “You shall not covet,” and whatever other command there may be, are summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” 10 Love does no harm to a neighbor. Therefore love is the fulfillment of the law. 11 And do this, understanding the present time: The hour has already come for you to wake up from your slumber, because our salvation is nearer now than when we first believed. 12 The night is nearly over; the day is almost here. So let us put aside the deeds of darkness and put on the armor of light. 13 Let us behave decently, as in the daytime, not in carousing and drunkenness, not in sexual immorality and debauchery, not in dissension and jealousy. 14 Rather, clothe yourselves with the Lord Jesus Christ, and do not think about how to gratify the desires of the flesh.
Why are illegal immigrants important?
The vast majority of illegal immigrants in the United States have come for the purpose of having a better life, providing for their families, and escaping poverty. These are good goals and motivations. However, it is not biblical to violate a law to achieve a “good.”.
What does the Bible say about caring for the poor?
However, the biblical fact that we are to care for the unfortunate does not mean we should violate the law in doing so. Supporting, enabling, and/or encouraging illegal immigration is, therefore, a violation of God’s Word.
What is the question at hand in Romans 13?
However, that is not the question at hand. The question at hand concerns illegal immigration —whether it is wrong to violate a nation’s borders and transgress its immigration laws. Romans 13:1–7 makes it abundantly clear that God expects us to obey the laws of the government.
Why does Romans 13:1–7 not give any permission to violate a law just because it is perceived as
However, Romans 13:1–7 does not give any permission to violate a law just because it is perceived as unjust. Again, the issue is not the fairness of a law. The only biblical reason to violate a government’s law is if that law violates God’s Word.
Is supporting illegal immigration a violation of God's word?
Supporting, enabling, and/or encouraging illegal immigration is, therefore, a violation of God’s Word. Those seeking to emigrate to another country should always obey the immigration laws of that country. While this may cause delays and frustrations, it is better than acting illegally. A frustrating law is still a law.
Do all developed countries have immigration laws?
Some think so, but that is not the issue. All developed countries in the world have immigration laws, some more strict than the USA’s, and some less strict, and all have to deal with illegal immigration. There is nothing in the Bible to prohibit a country from having completely open borders or to have completely closed borders.
Is illegal immigration a sin?
Illegal immigration is a sin. Illegal immigration is definitely a controversial issue in the United States (and some other countries) today. Some argue that the immigration laws are unfair, unjust, and even discriminatory—thus giving individuals justification to immigrate illegally.
How to love refugees?
Love Refugees As Yourself. 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. (Leviticus 19:33-34) Leave Food for the Poor and the Foreigner.
What is the meaning of the word "baptized by one spirit"?
For we were all baptized by one Spirit so as to form one body-whether Jews or Gentiles, slave or free-and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.
Does God love the foreigner?
God Loves the Foreigner Residing Among You. 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) Do Not Oppress a Foreigner.
When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong?
“When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.
What did Joseph say to the angels in the dream?
Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream and said, “Rise, take the child and his mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you, for Herod is about to search for the child, to destroy him.” And he rose and took the child and his mother by night and departed to Egypt and remained there until the death of Herod. This was to fulfill what the Lord had spoken by the prophet, “Out of Egypt I called my son.”
When you reap the harvest of your land, shall you not reap your field right up to its edge?
“And when you reap the harvest of your land, you shall not reap your field right up to its edge, nor shall you gather the gleanings after your harvest. You shall leave them for the poor and for the sojourner: I am the Lord your God.”
What to do when your brother becomes poor?
“If your brother becomes poor and cannot maintain himself with you, you shall support him as though he were a stranger and a sojourner, and he shall live with you.
When you reap your harvest in your field and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back
“When you reap your harvest in your field and forget a sheaf in the field, you shall not go back to get it. It shall be for the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow, that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands. When you beat your olive trees, you shall not go over them again. It shall be for the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow. When you gather the grapes of your vineyard, you shall not strip it afterward. It shall be for the sojourner, the fatherless, and the widow. You shall remember that you were a slave in the land of Egypt; therefore I command you to do this.
Whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death?
Whoever blasphemes the name of the Lord shall surely be put to death. All the congregation shall stone him. The sojourner as well as the native, when he blasphemes the Name, shall be put to death.
How to be subject to the Lord's sake?
Be subject for the Lord's sake to every human institution, whether it be to the emperor as supreme, or to governors as sent by him to punish those who do evil and to praise those who do good. For this is the will of God, that by doing good you should put to silence the ignorance of foolish people. Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.
What does it mean to be an asylum seeker in the Bible?
Asylum seekers — individuals who ask to live in another country to escape severe religious or political persecution or another violation of their human rights. These people would not return home unless the reason for their move came to an end.
Why did Moses not sell the land?
Moses instructed the Israelites not to sell any of the land permanently, because the land belonged to God and they were only foreigners living there (Leviticus 25:23). Think of how graciously God treats us, the foreigners living in his world.
What was the purpose of the tithe collected by the priests?
Some of the tithe collected by the priests was to be used to not only feed them and their families, but also to help provide food for foreigners, widows, and orphans (Deuteronomy 14:28-29). Also, farmers were instructed to leave the gleanings of their fields for the poor and the foreigner (Leviticus 23:22).
What is the difference between refugees and migrants?
Refugees — people who have been forced to leave their nation due to violent conflict or war. These people want to return to their country once the war or conflict is over. These situations often lead to years of displacement. Migrants — those who have chosen to leave their home country, mainly to escape poverty.
What did the Miscellaneous Instructions in the Law do?
Miscellaneous instructions in the Law made sure foreigners were included in the Jewish community. They included provisions for them to be treated equally under the law and to be included in festivals and celebrations of the community.
What is the definition of migrant?
Immigrants — very similar to “migrant.”. Someone who moves to another country for any number of reasons, including marriage or other family ties, employment/business opportunity, etc.
Who invited angelic visitors into his tent?
For example, Abraham invited the angelic visitors into his tent and provided a lavish meal for them (Genesis 18:1-15). Even so, strangers among the different tribal groups were looked at with suspicion, often conned or taken advantage of, and not treated well, especially if they were poor.