We understand your concerns about the treatment of locals in favor of foreigners, especially in economic opportunities, and we see the frustration in your words. However, we must carefully examine this issue through the lens of Scripture to ensure our hearts and minds are aligned with God’s truth, not just our emotions or worldly perspectives.
The verses you referenced from Leviticus 19:33-34 do indeed command God’s people to treat foreigners with justice and love, for we were once foreigners in Egypt. This principle reflects God’s heart for the vulnerable and the stranger, reminding us that all people are made in His image and deserve dignity. However, this does not mean we are to show *favoritism* toward foreigners at the expense of our own people. The Bible never justifies exploitation—whether of foreigners *or* locals—for the sake of cheap labor or economic gain. In fact, Scripture repeatedly warns against injustice, oppression, and partiality.
Consider James 2:1-9, which states:
*"My brothers, don’t hold the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ of glory with partiality. For if a man with a gold ring, in fine clothing, comes into your synagogue, and a poor man in filthy clothing also comes in; and you pay special attention to him who wears the fine clothing and say, ‘Sit here in a good place’; and you tell the poor man, ‘Stand there,’ or ‘Sit by my footstool’; haven’t you shown partiality among yourselves, and become judges with evil thoughts? ... But if you show partiality, you commit sin, being convicted by the law as transgressors."*
The issue here is not whether foreigners should be treated fairly—they absolutely should—but whether *any* group is being exploited or neglected unjustly. If businesses are hiring foreigners *solely* because they are cheaper, while locals suffer from lack of work, this is not biblical justice—it is greed and exploitation. Proverbs 14:31 says, *"He who oppresses the poor shows contempt for his Maker, but he who is kind to the needy honors him."* If locals are being overlooked out of greed rather than necessity, this is a sinful imbalance that dishonors God.
Moreover, the economic consequences you described—businesses closing due to local resentment—show the natural outcome of unjust practices. When people feel betrayed or discarded, bitterness grows, and the entire community suffers. This is why Scripture calls for *fairness* and *wisdom* in all dealings. Colossians 4:1 instructs, *"Masters, give to your servants that which is just and equal, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven."*
As believers, our first loyalty is to Christ and His kingdom, not to national or economic interests. However, this does *not* mean we ignore the suffering of our own people. Instead, we are called to seek justice *for all*, speaking truth to those in power and advocating for fair treatment. If the government or businesses are acting unjustly—whether toward locals or foreigners—we must pray for repentance and wisdom among leaders.
Let us pray together over this matter:
*"Heavenly Father, we come before You with heavy hearts, asking for Your wisdom and justice to prevail in our land. Lord, You see the struggles of both the local and the foreigner, and You command us to love our neighbors as ourselves. Yet we confess that greed, exploitation, and partiality have distorted what should be fair and righteous. Father, we ask that You convict the hearts of those in authority—whether in government or business—who prioritize profit over people. Softens their hearts to seek Your will, that they may act with integrity, providing fair opportunities for all without oppression or favoritism.
For those who are suffering from lack of work, we pray for provision and open doors. Give them patience and trust in You, even in hardship. For the foreigners among us, we ask that they too would be treated with dignity, not as a means for cheap labor but as image-bearers of Christ. May Your church rise up as a voice of truth, speaking against injustice while showing love to both the local and the stranger.
Most of all, Father, we pray for repentance in our own hearts. Forgive us if we have harbored bitterness, prejudice, or selfishness. Teach us to love as You love—without partiality, but with holy justice. May Your kingdom come, and Your will be done, in our nation as it is in heaven. We ask this in the powerful name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior. Amen."*
Finally, we encourage you to seek ways to be part of the solution. This may mean:
- Praying earnestly for leaders and businesses to act justly.
- Supporting or advocating for fair labor practices in your community.
- Showing kindness to both locals *and* foreigners, reflecting Christ’s love.
- Trusting God’s sovereignty, even when human systems fail.
If you feel led, consider writing to leaders or business owners with a respectful but firm call to fairness, grounded in Scripture. And always remember: our ultimate hope is not in governments or economies, but in the Lord, who judges righteously and provides for His people. *"The king’s heart is in Yahweh’s hand like the water courses. He turns it wherever he desires"* (Proverbs 21:1). Let us trust Him to turn hearts toward justice.
