What the Bible Says About Refugees

The Bible speaks with remarkable consistency about how God's people are to treat the refugee, the foreigner, and the displaced sojourner who arrives among them. From the Law of Moses to the teaching of Jesus, Scripture commands not merely tolerance but active love toward those who have fled their homes. The clearest statement comes in the Holiness Code: "The stranger who dwells among you shall be to you as one born among you, and you shall love him as yourself; for you were strangers in the land of Egypt" (Leviticus 19:34). Israel's own history of slavery and exile becomes the moral ground for compassion, a theme repeated when God commands, "Therefore love the stranger, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt" (Deuteronomy 10:19). This ethic is rooted in the character of God himself. The psalmist declares that "the LORD watches over the strangers; he relieves the fatherless and widow" (Psalm 146:9), placing the refugee alongside the most vulnerable members of society whom God personally defends. The prohibition against exploitation is explicit: "You shall neither mistreat a stranger nor oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt" (Exodus 22:21), and again, "If a stranger dwells with you in your land, you shall not mistreat him" (Leviticus 19:33). In the New Testament, Jesus identifies himself personally with the displaced and the welcomed. In the parable of the sheep and the goats he says, "I was a stranger and you took me in" (Matthew 25:35), making hospitality to the outsider a mark of true discipleship. The writer of Hebrews adds a tender reminder: "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some have unwittingly entertained angels" (Hebrews 13:2). Pastoral wisdom is needed in applying these texts. Scripture also affirms the legitimacy of governing authorities and ordered societies, so faithful Christians may differ over particular policies. Yet the consistent biblical posture toward the human being who arrives in need is one of welcome, dignity, and love. The refugee is never to be despised but received as a neighbor whom God himself watches over.