How can Western Christians treat refugees like Jesus?

“He defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing. And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.”

Deuteronomy 10:18-19 (NIV)

1. Education and Awareness: Start by educating yourself and your community about the challenges refugees face, the reasons for their displacement, and the legal and humanitarian aspects of the refugee crisis. Understand the biblical teachings on hospitality and compassion.

2. Support Refugee Organizations: Contribute to and volunteer with organisations that assist refugees, both locally and globally. These organizations provide essential services such as housing, employment assistance, language classes, and legal support.

3. Advocate for Refugee Rights: Speak out and advocate for policies and practices that protect the rights and dignity of refugees. This may include advocating for fair immigration policies, humane treatment of asylum seekers, and supporting refugees’ right to seek asylum.

4. Community Sponsorship: Explore opportunities to sponsor refugees through programs that enable individuals or groups to provide housing, financial support, and mentorship to newly arrived refugee families.

5. Cultural Exchange: Foster cultural exchange and friendship with refugees in your community. Learning from one another’s experiences can break down barriers and promote understanding.

6. Offer Language and Job Training: Help refugees integrate into their new communities by offering language classes or job training programs. This can empower them to become self-sufficient.

7. Provide Material Assistance: Donate clothing, household items, and other essentials to refugee families in need. Many refugees arrive with little or no possessions.

8. Welcome and Hospitality: Extend a warm welcome to refugee families in your neighbourhood or church. Invite them to social gatherings, meals, and cultural events to make them feel part of the community.

9. Prayer and Spiritual Support: Pray for refugees and their well-being. Offer spiritual support and guidance as they navigate the challenges of displacement.

10. Lobby for Peace: Advocate for policies and actions that address the root causes of displacement, such as conflict resolution, peace-building, and support for conflict-affected regions.

11. Promote Education: Support education initiatives for refugee children and adults. Education is essential for the long-term well-being and integration of refugee communities.

12. Engage in Interfaith Dialogue: Foster interfaith dialogue to build bridges of understanding and cooperation with people of different backgrounds, including refugees of diverse faiths.

13. Encourage Empathy: Teach children and young people about compassion and empathy towards refugees. Encourage youth involvement in outreach and awareness programs.

14. Participate in Church Initiatives: Get involved in church-sponsored refugee ministries and committees that focus on welcoming and assisting refugees.

15. Financial Support: Contribute financially to organisations that provide relief and support to refugees, both domestically and internationally.