Here are the Bible passages about “welcoming strangers” or “welcoming foreigners” in the New International Version (NIV):
1. 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.’”
• Expanded Context (Leviticus 19:32-35, NIV): These verses emphasize fair treatment, love, and respect for foreigners, reminding Israel of their own experience in Egypt.
Key Theme: Treating foreigners with love and equality is a command from God.
2. 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.”
• Expanded Context (Matthew 25:31-40, NIV): In the Parable of the Sheep and Goats, Jesus teaches that kindness to strangers is kindness to Him.
Key Theme: Welcoming strangers is seen as serving Christ Himself.
3. 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.”
• Expanded Context (Hebrews 13:1-3, NIV): The writer encourages hospitality to strangers, recalling stories like Abraham’s encounter with angels in Genesis 18.
Key Theme: Hospitality may bring unexpected blessings.
4. 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.”
• Expanded Context (Deuteronomy 10:17-21, NIV): These verses remind Israel of God’s love and care for foreigners and command them to follow His example.
Key Theme: God loves and protects foreigners, and His people should too.
5. Exodus 22:21 (NIV)
“Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt.”
• Expanded Context (Exodus 22:21-24, NIV): God commands Israel to avoid mistreating foreigners, widows, or orphans, warning of His divine judgment.
Key Theme: Mistreating foreigners is against God’s justice and love.
6. Romans 12:13 (NIV)
“Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.”
• Expanded Context (Romans 12:9-13, NIV): Paul instructs Christians to live out their faith through love, humility, and hospitality.
Key Theme: Hospitality is an essential Christian practice.
7. Luke 10:25-37 (The Parable of the Good Samaritan, NIV)
“But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.”
• Expanded Context (Luke 10:25-37, NIV): In this parable, Jesus emphasizes compassion and action toward strangers, regardless of cultural or ethnic differences.
Key Theme: True neighborly love includes caring for strangers in need.
Summary Themes Across These Passages:
1. Love and Treat Foreigners Equally: Leviticus 19:33-34; Deuteronomy 10:18-19
2. Hospitality Reflects God’s Character: Hebrews 13:2; Romans 12:13
3. Welcoming Strangers is Welcoming Christ: Matthew 25:35
4. God’s Justice Protects Foreigners: Exodus 22:21
5. True Compassion Goes Beyond Barriers: Luke 10:25-37