Today, I want to explore what the Bible says about welcoming the stranger in our midst and how we, as followers of Jesus, can extend His love and grace to our international neighbors.
By Dr. Tim Orr
Good morning, church! Today, I invite you to join me in seeing the world through God’s eyes. Imagine walking through your neighborhood, working, or shopping at your local grocery store. Have you noticed the incredible diversity around us? People from different nations, cultures, and religions live right next door. As an evangelical Christian, I believe in the power of the Gospel to change lives, but I often wonder how often I take the time to truly see and welcome those God has brought into our communities. Today, I want to explore what the Bible says about welcoming the stranger in our midst and how we, as followers of Jesus, can extend His love and grace to our international neighbors.
Throughout the Bible, God clearly expresses His heart for the stranger. For example, Deuteronomy 27:19 says, "Cursed is the one who perverts the justice due the stranger, the fatherless, and widow." In Exodus 22:21, God commands, "You shall neither mistreat a stranger nor oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt." Leviticus 19:34 goes even further, stating, "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: I am the LORD your God." And Jesus Himself says 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."
These passages remind me that God has always cared deeply for justice, compassion, and inclusion. They also show that God's command to love the stranger is rooted in the Israelites' experience of being strangers in Egypt and their understanding of God's grace. This is a powerful reminder that I, too, should show the same grace and love to those who are new to our communities.
Let me share a story that brings this to life. A friend of mine, Jim, who lives in a small Midwestern town, noticed a new family moving in next door. They were from Syria, and Jim could see they were struggling to settle in. Remembering these Scriptures, Jim decided to act. He and his wife invited the family for dinner, shared a meal, and listened to their story. It turned out that this family had faced unimaginable hardship fleeing their home country. Jim and his wife continued to support them, helping with English, job searches, and even navigating local schools. What started as a simple act of kindness grew into a beautiful friendship, showing that we can make a profound difference when we follow God's command to love the stranger.
It’s easy to feel unsure or even fearful when encountering people different from me. But as a Christian, I am called to move beyond apathy, fear, and hatred. Instead, I should embrace compassion, friendship, and love. I have a choice: Do I see strangers as a threat or an opportunity to share God’s love?
I think about the international neighbors in our midst—refugees, students, or professionals from different backgrounds. I often encounter Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, and others in my everyday life. Rather than seeing these individuals as threats, I want to see them as people God has brought to us for a reason. This is a chance to build bridges and show Christ's love meaningfully.
A woman named Susan shared her experience of feeling intimidated by a Muslim family that had moved into her apartment complex. Susan admits she initially felt nervous and unsure of how to approach them. But she prayed for God to help her see them through His eyes. One day, she noticed the mother struggling with groceries while her young children ran around. Susan offered to help, and that small act of kindness opened the door to a deeper relationship. Over time, they shared meals, celebrated birthdays, and even discussed their faiths. Susan learned that her neighbors, like her, sought a safe and loving place to raise their children. Her fears melted away, replaced by a genuine friendship rooted in compassion and respect.
Understanding the beliefs and practices of other religions can help me engage with my neighbors more respectfully and effectively. For instance, Islam is a monotheistic faith with a strong emphasis on submission to God's will. Hinduism is a diverse religion with various gods and philosophical traditions, while Buddhism focuses on overcoming suffering through enlightenment. By learning about these religions, I can better understand my neighbors' worldviews and find common ground with whom I can share my faith.
Respectful engagement doesn’t mean compromising my beliefs; it means sharing Christ’s love in a considerate and understanding way. There are many successful interfaith engagements in which Christians have built strong relationships with people from different faith backgrounds, leading to meaningful conversations about faith and life.
I once heard a story from a pastor friend who encountered a Buddhist monk while traveling. The monk was selling handmade crafts in a small market, and my friend, intrigued by his peaceful demeanor, decided to strike up a conversation. He began by asking about the crafts and soon shifted to deeper questions about the monk’s beliefs and practices. The monk shared openly, and my friend listened with genuine interest. Eventually, the monk asked about my friend’s beliefs. This allowed him to share his faith in Jesus respectfully and engagingly. They exchanged contact information and continued their dialogue over email, showing that understanding and respecting others' faiths can lead to meaningful and open conversations about our own.
Our international neighbors are all around us—workplaces, stores, restaurants, gas stations, parks, universities, hospitals, and neighborhoods. The key is to open my eyes and heart to the diverse individuals God has placed around me. I can see countless opportunities to connect and build relationships by being attentive.
I think about the stories of those who have reached out to internationals in their communities. Perhaps someone invited a neighbor to dinner, helped a refugee family settle in, or befriended an international student. These small acts of kindness can have a profound impact.
For example, a young person named Michael and Anna decided to host an international student from China during the holidays. At first, they were worried about the cultural differences and whether they could connect. But as they welcomed this student into their home, shared meals, and introduced him to their family traditions, they discovered he was eager to learn and share his culture. Over time, he became like family. Through these simple acts of hospitality, Michael and Anna blessed their guest, enriched their lives, and deepened their faith.
One effective way to engage with my neighbors is through the B.L.E.S.S. model—a simple, missional approach to building relationships and sharing Christ's love:
I can build genuine connections and share the gospel respectfully and effectively by following these steps.
Rachel shared how she used the B.L.E.S.S. model to build a relationship with a new family from India in her neighborhood. She started by praying for them daily, asking God for an opportunity to connect. One day, she noticed them gardening and decided to compliment their work, which led to a conversation. Rachel listened as they shared about their life in India and their experiences in the United States. She invited them over for a meal, and they became good friends. Rachel was able to serve them by helping with some local errands and eventually had the chance to share her story of faith. This relationship blossomed into a beautiful friendship rooted in Christ's love.
Engaging with my international neighbors doesn’t have to be complicated. Here are some practical ways I can start building relationships:
Paul initially hesitated to engage with his new neighbors, a Muslim family from Iran. He had many misconceptions and felt unsure about how to approach them. But he prayed for guidance and decided to reach out with simple acts of kindness. He introduced himself, asked about their culture, and invited them to a community event. As they shared their stories and experiences, Paul realized they had much in common, and his fears gradually faded. What began as uncertainty became a meaningful friendship, demonstrating that stepping out in faith can overcome hesitation.
Sharing my faith with internationals can be a wonderful experience. Here are some steps I consider:
A story that touched me deeply was about Mark, who befriended a Hindu coworker, Raj. Over time, Mark and Raj shared many conversations about their lives and beliefs. When Raj went through a difficult time, Mark offered to pray for him, and Raj was deeply moved. This act of kindness opened up more discussions about faith, and Mark shared his testimony of how Jesus had changed his life. Raj was intrigued and began asking questions about Christianity. Eventually, Mark offered Raj a Bible in his native language, and they started reading it together. This faith journey began with a simple prayer and a willingness to share openly.
As I build relationships with internationals, praying for them is essential. I ask God to break my heart for those who hunger and thirst for Him. I pray for the courage and wisdom to be an instrument in God’s hands, preparing the way for the Lord.
Conclusion
As I close today, I want to challenge myself and each of us to step out of our comfort zones and into the mission field right outside our doors. God has given us a beautiful opportunity to be His hands and feet to the nations right here in our backyard. Remember, every encounter with a stranger is a chance to share the love of Christ. Let’s not see our international neighbors as threats or outsiders but as people God loves and potential brothers and sisters in Christ. Let’s be a church that welcomes, loves, and serves. May we be a light to the world, a beacon of hope, and a living testimony of God’s transforming grace. Let’s pray for open hearts, divine opportunities, and the courage to embrace the strangers among us as God’s beloved. Amen.