It’s embarrassing when unbelievers know and practice the Bible better than Christians, as demonstrated in a recent Republican Presidential debate where CNN called out the candidates on their views on refugees as opposed to what the Bible has to say about the subject. I could say a lot on this subject myself, but I think it best to let the Word of God speak for itself.

“At the end of every three years, bring all the tithes of that year’s produce and store it in your towns, so that the Levites (who have no allotment or inheritance of their own) and the foreigners, the fatherless and the widows who live in your towns may come and eat and be satisfied, and so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.” Deuteronomy 14:28-29

“When you are harvesting in your field and you overlook a sheaf, do not go back to get it. Leave it for the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that the Lord your God may bless you in all the work of your hands.” Deuteronomy 24:19

“When you have finished setting aside a tenth of all your produce in the third year, the year of the tithe, you shall give it to the Levite, the foreigner, the fatherless and the widow, so that they may eat in your towns and be satisfied. Deuteronomy 26:12

“Cursed is anyone who withholds justice from the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow.” Deuteronomy 27:19

“In you they have treated father and mother with contempt; in you they have oppressed the foreigner and mistreated the fatherless and the widow.” Ezekiel 22:7

“If you do not oppress the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow and do not shed innocent blood in this place, and if you do not follow other gods to your own harm, then I will let you live in this place, in the land I gave your ancestors for ever and ever.” Jeremiah 7:6-7

“This is what the Lord says: Do what is just and right. Rescue from the hand of the oppressor the one who has been robbed. Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow, and do not shed innocent blood in this place.” Jeremiah 22:3

‘Nuff said?

Discussion Questions

1. Do you know any first generation immigrants or refugees?

2. How do you think you measure up to the way the Bible says you should treat them?

3. What practical steps can you take to improve?

4. Given the importance the Lord places on foreigners, how do you think our government should treat illegal immigrants and Syrian refugees who may include some terrorists?