9 key biblical teachings on the moral obligation to aid refugees

What does the Bible really say about our duty to help those who have been forced to flee their homes?

Across its pages, the scriptures provide compelling teachings on the moral obligation to aid refugees, underscoring the importance of compassion, hospitality, and justice.

Today, I decided to discuss 9 key biblical teachings that not only advocate for the support and protection of refugees but also highlight how these actions reflect the heart of Christian values.

My aim is to help you apply these teachings in your daily life as a manifestation of your faith and commitment to uphold Biblical principles.

1. The parable of the Good Samaritan

One of the most compelling biblical teachings on aiding those in need is the parable of the Good Samaritan found in Luke 10:25-37.

This story, told by Jesus Himself, beautifully encapsulates the essence of neighborly love and compassion.

In this parable, a man is robbed and left injured on the road. A priest and a Levite ignore him, but a Samaritan, who is considered an outsider, stops to help.

He takes care of the man’s wounds and ensures his safe lodging.

Jesus uses this parable to challenge our understanding of who our ‘neighbor’ really is.

It’s not just those who live near us or share our beliefs. Instead, it extends to anyone in need, including refugees who have been forced to flee their homes.

2. The golden rule

Another profound teaching that underscores the moral obligation to aid refugees is the Golden Rule, found in Luke 6:31: “Do to others as you would have them do to you.”

Let’s pause for a moment and truly consider the depth of this instruction.

This rule isn’t limited to treating our friends and family with kindness. It extends to all individuals, including refugees.

If we were in their shoes, wouldn’t we hope for help and compassion?

This teaching encourages empathy, urging us to imagine ourselves in the place of those who are suffering. It’s a call to action, a reminder that our faith demands more than passive sympathy.

It requires active love and assistance.

The Golden Rule might be simple, but it’s transformative.

When applied, it has the potential to shift our perspective and inspire us to aid those in need, particularly refugees seeking safety and compassion.

3. The call to love strangers

Building on the principle of empathy, let’s turn to the book of Leviticus.

Here, we find a powerful command in Leviticus 19:34:

“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.”

This command may seem counterintuitive in today’s world where borders and citizenship often dictate our obligations.

However, it’s clear that God’s expectation transcends these worldly divisions. In God’s eyes, the obligation to love and aid isn’t confined by geographical boundaries or nationality.

This teaching encourages us to see refugees not as outsiders, but as fellow human beings deserving of love and compassion.

It reminds us that we, too, have been strangers in a foreign land at some point in our lives or in our ancestral history.

By loving refugees as ourselves, we not only fulfill this biblical command but also reflect the unconditional love that God has shown us.

This can profoundly shape our response to the refugee crisis, prompting us to extend aid with open hearts and hands.

4. The instruction to welcome the stranger

Have we ever considered the depth of meaning in Matthew 25:35?

“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.”

Here, Jesus closely associates himself with the needy, the thirsty, and notably, the stranger.

The term ‘stranger’ can be seen as a representation of refugees – people who are strangers in a new land, seeking refuge and help.

Jesus makes it clear that when we aid these ‘strangers’, it’s as if we are aiding Him directly.

This teaching not only reinforces our moral obligation to aid refugees but also demonstrates how such actions are deeply significant in our spiritual journey.

This teaching brings us face-to-face with the reality of our faith. It challenges us to see Jesus in every refugee and respond with the same love we would offer Him.

Extra Insight: The Greek word for ‘stranger’ used here is ‘Xenos’, which also translates to ‘foreigner’ or ‘guest’. As Christians, we can consider this a call to welcome and aid those who are foreign or unfamiliar to us.

5. The command to protect the defenseless

The Bible also directs believers to uphold justice and protect the defenseless, a group that often includes refugees. This command can be found in numerous scriptures, reinforcing its importance in the Christian faith.

Consider these passages:

• Psalm 82:3 – “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.”
• Proverbs 31:8-9 – “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.”
• Zechariah 7:9-10 – “Administer true justice; show mercy and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor.”

These verses clearly call believers to act on behalf of those who are vulnerable, including refugees. They emphasize that our faith is not just about personal piety but also about social responsibility.

6. The example of Jesus’ ministry

We can’t discuss biblical teachings on aiding refugees without acknowledging the example set by Jesus Himself.

Jesus’ ministry was characterized by compassion, love, and active help to the marginalized and oppressed.

Throughout the Gospels, we see Jesus reaching out to those society had pushed to the sidelines. He healed the sick, fed the hungry, and welcomed those who were rejected by others.

His actions demonstrated a deep love for humanity and a commitment to aiding those in need.

This same love should guide our response to refugees today. As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate His example in our lives.

This means extending our love and aid to refugees, seeing them not as a burden but as individuals who are deserving of our compassion and help.

In essence, our response to refugees isn’t just about fulfilling a moral obligation. It’s about living out the teachings of Christ in a tangible way.

7. The teaching of Hebrews 13:2

There’s a poignant teaching in Hebrews 13:2 that resonates deeply when considering our response to refugees.

The verse says:

“Do not forget to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have shown hospitality to angels without knowing it.”

Imagine for a moment if we saw each stranger, each refugee, as a potential angel in disguise. How would that change our attitudes and actions?

This teaching reminds us of the inherent value of every individual and encourages us to extend hospitality to all, regardless of their background or circumstances.

It suggests that in showing kindness to strangers, we may be entertaining angels unawares.

I have to admit: the verse has a personal resonance for me as well.

I once had the opportunity to help a refugee family settle into their new neighborhood. It was a humbling experience that reminded me of this verse.

Their gratitude and resilience were truly inspiring, making me feel as if I was indeed entertaining angels.

8. Refuge in Egypt

The Gospel of Matthew (2:13-15) tells a compelling story that resonates deeply with the refugee crisis.

In this narrative, an angel appears to Joseph in a dream, warning him to take Mary and Jesus to Egypt because King Herod was seeking to kill the child.

Imagine that – the Holy Family themselves were refugees. They had to flee their homeland under threat and seek protection in a foreign land.

This narrative holds a powerful message about the sanctity of every refugee’s journey. It underscores the reality that refugees, like the Holy Family, are often fleeing unimaginable circumstances in search of safety.

By reflecting on this biblical account, we can gain a deeper understanding of our moral obligation to aid those in need of refuge.

After all, if Jesus himself was once a refugee, how can we turn away those who are in similar situations today?

9. One human family

At the core of biblical teachings is the affirmation that we are all part of one human family.

Genesis (1:27) tells us, “God created mankind in His own image, in the image of God He created them.”

This teaching reminds us that every refugee is a brother or sister. They share our common humanity and deserve respect, dignity, and love.

Their stories, struggles, and hopes are not distant or detached from us. They are part of our shared human story.

Recognizing this fundamental truth helps us see beyond labels and prejudice. It opens our hearts to the plight of refugees and strengthens our resolve to aid them.

In a world often divided by borders and biases, this teaching brings us back to what truly matters:

We are one human family, and we have a moral obligation to care for each other, especially those most in need.

Where do we go from here?

Having delved into these key biblical teachings, it’s clear that our faith calls us to a place of action. It’s a call to embody the love and compassion of Christ, extending it to all, including refugees.

• Are there organizations in your community aiding refugees that you could support?
• Could you volunteer your time or donate resources?
• Perhaps you could use your voice to advocate for policies that protect and aid refugees?

The teachings outlined in this article are not just about understanding scripture. They are about living out our faith in practical, tangible ways. It’s about seeing the image of God in every individual, especially those most vulnerable.

Let these teachings guide your response to refugees and inspire you to action.

It’s not just about fulfilling a moral obligation – it’s about embodying the very essence of our faith.