Compassion for the stranger is a recurring theme throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of kindness, hospitality, and justice towards those who are not native to one's community or land. This concept is deeply rooted in the character of God and His commandments to His people.

Old Testament Foundations

The Old Testament lays a strong foundation for the treatment of strangers, often referred to as "sojourners" or "foreigners." In the Law given to Moses, God commands the Israelites to remember their own history as strangers in Egypt. Leviticus 19:33-34 states, "When a foreigner resides with you in your land, you must not oppress him. You must treat the foreigner living among you as native-born and love him as yourself, for you were foreigners in the land of Egypt. I am the LORD your God."

This command is not merely a call to tolerance but to active love and inclusion, reflecting God's own nature. Deuteronomy 10:18-19 further emphasizes this, saying, "He executes justice for the fatherless and widow, and He loves the foreigner, giving him food and clothing. So you also must love the foreigner, since you yourselves were foreigners in the land of Egypt."

Prophetic Voices

The prophets also echo this call for compassion towards strangers. In Zechariah 7:9-10 , the Lord commands, "Administer true justice. Show loving devotion and compassion to one another. Do not oppress the widow or the fatherless, the foreigner or the poor. And do not plot evil in your hearts against one another." The prophets consistently remind Israel that their treatment of the vulnerable, including strangers, is a reflection of their faithfulness to God.

New Testament Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus Christ exemplifies and teaches compassion for the stranger. In the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37), Jesus illustrates that love for one's neighbor transcends ethnic and cultural boundaries. The Samaritan, considered a foreigner and outsider by Jewish standards, is the one who shows true compassion, thus redefining the concept of neighbor.

Jesus' ministry often included reaching out to those considered outsiders, such as the Samaritan woman at the well (John 4:7-26) and the Roman centurion (Matthew 8:5-13). His actions and teachings underscore the importance of breaking down barriers and extending love and grace to all, regardless of their background.

The early church continued this practice, as seen in the writings of the apostles. Hebrews 13:2 advises, "Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." This exhortation highlights the spiritual significance and potential blessings of welcoming strangers.

Theological Implications

Compassion for the stranger is not merely a social ethic but a theological mandate that reflects God's character and His redemptive plan for humanity. It is a call to embody the love and grace that God has shown to all people. The consistent biblical narrative encourages believers to view strangers not as threats but as opportunities to demonstrate God's love and justice.

In summary, the biblical call to compassion for the stranger is a profound expression of God's heart for justice, mercy, and love. It challenges believers to extend hospitality and kindness, recognizing the inherent dignity and worth of every individual as created in the image of God.