Why God Demands Kindness to Immigrants

By Brian Figeroux, Esq.

In a world marked by division, nationalism, and strict borders, the treatment of immigrants often becomes a contentious issue, especially among political leaders. However, the Bible provides clear guidance on how immigrants (referred to as strangers, sojourners, or foreigners) should be treated. Scripture consistently teaches that God demands kindness and justice for immigrants, as His kingdom transcends borders, race, and ethnicity. This article will explore biblical principles on immigration, how political leaders are accountable for their treatment of immigrants, and how God’s kingdom exemplifies inclusivity.

1. God’s Heart for Immigrants: A Biblical Command

From the Old Testament to the New Testament, the Bible affirms that God cares deeply for immigrants and expects His people to show them compassion.

God’s Command to the Israelites

God instructed the Israelites to treat strangers with kindness because they, too, were once strangers:

“And if a stranger sojourn with thee in your land, ye shall not vex him. But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.” (Leviticus 19:33-34, KJV)

This command highlights two key principles:

1. Equality: The stranger should be treated as a native-born.
2. Love: Immigrants should be loved as one loves oneself.

God’s Justice for Immigrants

God’s concern for immigrants is also evident in His call for justice:

“Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.” (Exodus 22:21, KJV)
“He loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment.” (Deuteronomy 10:18, KJV)

These verses show that God not only demands kindness but also actively supports immigrants by ensuring their needs are met. His compassion for the vulnerable sets a standard for believers and leaders alike.

2. Political Leaders and Their Responsibility Toward Immigrants

Biblical Responsibility of Leaders

Political leaders are accountable to God for how they treat immigrants. The Bible teaches that leaders are appointed to uphold justice and righteousness:

“The king by judgment establisheth the land: but he that receiveth gifts overthroweth it.” (Proverbs 29:4, KJV)

When leaders treat immigrants harshly or unjustly, they act against God’s will and undermine the moral fabric of their governance.

Warnings Against Oppression

God explicitly condemns leaders who oppress the vulnerable:

“Woe unto them that decree unrighteous decrees, and that write grievousness which they have prescribed; To turn aside the needy from judgment, and to take away the right from the poor of my people.” (Isaiah 10:1-2, KJV)

Political leaders who create policies that harm immigrants, separate families, or discriminate based on race and nationality are committing a grievous sin. God calls for the defense of the oppressed, not their exploitation.

3. The Universal Nature of God’s Kingdom: No Borders, Race, or Ethnicity

God’s Kingdom Embraces All Nations

The Bible clearly states that God’s kingdom transcends human boundaries:

“For there is no respect of persons with God.” (Romans 2:11, KJV)
“And hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth.” (Acts 17:26, KJV)

God does not discriminate based on nationality or ethnicity. In His sight, all humans share the same origin and are equal. This truth fundamentally challenges nationalist ideologies that place one group above another.

Jesus and Inclusivity

During His earthly ministry, Jesus consistently broke cultural and racial barriers, engaging with Samaritans, Romans, and others considered outsiders by Jewish society. One powerful example is the Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:30-37), where Jesus highlights that kindness and mercy should extend beyond ethnic boundaries.

The Great Commission: An Inclusive Mandate

Before ascending to heaven, Jesus instructed His followers:

“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations…” (Matthew 28:19, KJV)

This command to disciple all nations affirms that the gospel is not reserved for one ethnicity or nationality. God’s love and redemption are accessible to every person, regardless of their background.

4. Biblical Examples of Immigrants and God’s Blessings

The Bible is rich with stories of immigrants whom God used to fulfill His purposes.

Abraham: The Sojourner

Abraham, the father of faith, was called to leave his homeland and become a sojourner:

“By faith Abraham… sojourned in the land of promise, as in a strange country.” (Hebrews 11:9, KJV)

Despite being a foreigner, Abraham became the progenitor of God’s chosen people, proving that God often blesses those who trust Him despite being outsiders.

Ruth: The Moabite Widow

Ruth, a Moabite immigrant, was welcomed by the Israelites and became an ancestor of King David and Jesus Christ:

“And Ruth said, Intreat me not to leave thee… thy people shall be my people, and thy God my God.” (Ruth 1:16, KJV)

Her story exemplifies God’s acceptance of the foreigner who faithfully seeks Him.

5. The Consequences of Injustice Toward Immigrants

God’s Judgment on Oppressors

Scripture warns that God will punish leaders who oppress immigrants and the vulnerable:

“Cursed be he that perverteth the judgment of the stranger, fatherless, and widow.” (Deuteronomy 27:19, KJV)

Leaders who enforce unjust immigration laws or foster xenophobia are risking divine wrath. God’s judgment will not spare those who exploit or dehumanize foreigners.

Prophetic Warning: The Fall of Nations

The prophet Ezekiel condemned nations for neglecting the needy:

“Behold, this was the iniquity of thy sister Sodom, pride, fulness of bread, and abundance of idleness… neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy.” (Ezekiel 16:49, KJV)

When nations become arrogant and refuse to help immigrants and the marginalized, they set themselves up for downfall.

6. Practical Ways to Uphold God’s Commands on Immigration

• Advocacy for Justice: Support fair and compassionate immigration policies.
• Personal Hospitality: Open your heart and home to those in need, regardless of their background.
• Reject Xenophobia: Actively resist narratives that dehumanize immigrants.
• Pray for Leaders: Intercede for political leaders to enact just and merciful policies.
• Follow Jesus’ Example: Treat all people, regardless of nationality, with kindness and love.

“Be not forgetful to entertain strangers: for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:2, KJV)

Conclusion

God’s command to be kind to immigrants is clear and unwavering throughout the Bible. He demands that both individuals and political leaders practice compassion and justice, reflecting the inclusive nature of His kingdom. God’s kingdom has no borders, race, or ethnicity, and those who oppress immigrants stand condemned.

In a world increasingly divided by national and racial differences, Christians are called to reflect God’s love for all humanity, regardless of origin. By fearing God rather than man and honoring His word, believers can live out a testimony that transcends earthly borders, echoing the eternal truth that in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek, bond nor free (Galatians 3:28, KJV).

“For the Lord your God… loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment. Love ye therefore the stranger: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt.” (Deuteronomy 10:18-19, KJV)