It’s beautiful to know that the Bible encourages us to embrace and include others. From Jesus’s teachings to the apostles’ words, the message of love and acceptance shines brightly. Let’s explore some uplifting Bible verses that remind us of God’s call to love and include everyone.
Bible Verses About Inclusion
Galatians 3:28 – In Christ, we are all united
“There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Romans 15:7 – We are called to accept one another
“Accept one another, then, just as Christ accepted you, in order to bring praise to God.”
Acts 10:34-35 – God shows no favoritism
“Then Peter began to speak: ‘I now realize how true it is that God does not show favoritism but accepts from every nation the one who fears him and does what is right.’
1 John 4:19 – Our love for others stems from God’s love
“We love because he first loved us.”
Matthew 5:14 – We are all called to shine as lights
“You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden.”
Philippians 2:3 – We should consider others above ourselves
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility value others above yourselves.”
Luke 14:13-14 – Invite and include those who cannot repay
“But when you give a banquet, invite the poor, the crippled, the lame, the blind, and you will be blessed. Although they cannot repay you, you will be repaid at the resurrection of the righteous.”
Ephesians 4:2 – Be humble, gentle, and patient
“Be completely humble and gentle; be patient, bearing with one another in love.”
James 2:1 – Do not show favoritism
“My brothers and sisters, believers in our glorious Lord Jesus Christ must not show favoritism.”
Matthew 25:40 – Serving others is serving Christ
“The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.'”
Colossians 3:11 – Christ is all, and is in all
“Here there is no Greek or Jew, circumcised or uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave or free, but Christ is all, and is in all.”
Romans 12:10 – Honor one another above yourselves
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.”
1 Corinthians 12:12 – Many parts form one body
“Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ.”
Galatians 6:2 – Carry each other’s burdens
“Carry each other’s burdens, and in this way, you will fulfill the law of Christ.”
John 13:34-35 – Love one another as Christ loved us
“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”
Proverbs 31:8-9 – Speak up for those who cannot
“Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
1 Peter 2:9 – A chosen people to declare His praises
“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”
Matthew 18:20 – Where two or three gather, God is there
“For where two or three gather in my name, there am I with them.”
Hebrews 10:24-25 – Spur one another toward love and good deeds
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”
Luke 6:31 – Do to others as you would have them do to you
“Do to others as you would have them do to you.”
Romans 12:15 – Rejoice and weep together
“Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.”
Matthew 22:39 – Love your neighbor as yourself
“And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’
2 Corinthians 5:16 – We no longer regard others from a worldly point of view
“So from now on we regard no one from a worldly point of view. Though we once regarded Christ in this way, we do so no longer.”
Isaiah 56:7 – A house of prayer for all nations
“These I will bring to my holy mountain and give them joy in my house of prayer; their burnt offerings and sacrifices will be accepted on my altar; for my house will be called a house of prayer for all nations.”
Matthew 9:10-13 – Jesus eats with the outcasts
“While Jesus was having dinner at Matthew’s house, many tax collectors and sinners came and ate with him and his disciples.”
Genesis 1:27 – Made in God’s image
“So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.”
John 15:12 – Love one another as I have loved you
“My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you.”
Ephesians 3:6 – Inclusion in the promise of Christ
“This mystery is that through the gospel the Gentiles are heirs together with Israel, members together of one body, and shares together in the promise in Christ Jesus.”
Also Read: Bible Verses About Wicked Leaders
What Does the Bible Say About Inclusion
The Bible offers a profound perspective on inclusion, emphasizing that we are all welcomed into God’s family with open arms. Throughout Scripture, we see countless examples of inclusion, beginning with the creation narrative itself. God creates humanity in His image, highlighting the inherent worth and equality of every person (Genesis 1:26-27). This sets a foundational tone for the inclusive nature of God’s kingdom.
In the Old Testament, we witness God’s call to the nation of Israel to be a “light to the nations” (Isaiah 49:6). This underscores that God’s love and salvation are not reserved solely for a specific group but are meant to extend to all people. Furthermore, in the Law given to Israel, particular instructions were laid out to ensure the inclusion and fair treatment of foreigners, widows, orphans, and the poor (Deuteronomy 10:18-19). God commands us to love and care for those who may be marginalized or overlooked by society.
The New Testament continues this theme powerfully. Jesus, in His earthly ministry, consistently reached out to those who were considered outcasts. He ate with tax collectors and sinners (Matthew 9:10-12), healed the sick and the lepers (Mark 1:40-42), and spoke with women and Samaritans (John 4:7-9) who were often marginalized in that cultural context. His actions teach us that no one is outside the reach of God’s love.
The Apostle Paul reinforces this inclusive message, declaring that in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for we are all one in Christ Jesus (Galatians 3:28). This radical inclusivity forms the basis of Christian unity and community. In his letters, Paul also addresses the need for diversity within the body of Christ, illustrating that every member, regardless of their background or status, has a unique role to play (1 Corinthians 12:12-27).
The vision of John’s Revelation culminates in a rich picture of ultimate inclusion: people from every nation, tribe, people, and language standing before the throne of God (Revelation 7:9). This heavenly vision encapsulates the fullness of God’s inclusive love and the ultimate gathering of a diverse humanity in worship.
From Genesis to Revelation, the Bible teaches us that God’s heart is for inclusion. We are called to mirror this inclusive love in our own lives, extending grace, compassion, and welcome to all, regardless of their background or circumstances.