Loving Like Jesus: 20 Ways to Come Alongside a Refugee Family

by Christina

God has brought the least-reached to our neighborhoods and invites us to join in His work.

Since 1980, over 3.28 million refugees have been resettled in the United States.* While the heartbreaking situations that have displaced so many people are a clear consequence of humanity’s sin, our Lord is the redeemer of broken things.

In Psalm 146:9, we are reminded that “The Lord watches over the sojourners; he upholds the widow and the fatherless.” And in Matthew 25, when identifying those who are blessed by God and will inherit the Kingdom, Jesus states, “I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” God has much compassion for the marginalized, and as we seek to be like Him and glorify Him, our hearts must have the same posture.

A great way to begin a relationship with refugees is to ask, Why did you come to the U.S.? Most likely, their responses will involve education, opportunity and safety. Affirm these as good reasons to have come, but then tell them that there is another reason why they are here. This may provoke an odd look since you just met, but then say, “You are here because God wants you to know how much He loves you!” (Acts 17:26,27). This simple statement can open the door for continued conversation and opportunities to speak of God, His grace and mercy, the greatest demonstration of love found in Jesus and our responsibility to put our trust in Him.

Here are 20 ways we can actively love like Jesus:

1. Bring them groceries or drive them to the grocery store.
2. Help them find a vehicle.
3. Teach them to drive (bravery required).
4. Help with phone calls—refugee services, doctors, etc.
5. Help fill out paperwork.
6. Help with English homework and conversation practice.
7. Invite them for dinner, and also allow them to host you.
8. Help them find jobs.
9. Play games and laugh together.
10. Ask about their family and share family photos.
11. Cook meals together.
12. Give them opportunities to tell their story. Listen well and ask questions.
13. Be culturally appropriate for them, even though they are in our home country. Modesty goes a long way in building trusting relationships.
14. Learn to welcome them in their language.
15. Invite them out for coffee at a coffee shop from their part of the world.
16. Celebrate holidays together. This is a great opportunity to share spiritual truths!
17. Celebrate their birthdays and other life events like school graduations.
18. At the right time, give them a Bible in their language.
    
19. Share about your life and things you are praying about. Be vulnerable.
20. Pray for their needs.

In everything, make it clear that you care deeply for them because you want them to know that Jesus loves them and has a plan for their life. And, as you serve, pray that they will experience His love through you and come to love Him in return.

*U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Office of Homeland Security Statistics. Refugee Arrivals: Fiscal Years 1980 to 2024 (Table 13). Yearbook of Immigration Statistics 2024. Accessed May 15, 2026. https://ohss.dhs.gov/topics/immigration/yearbook/2024/table13