Why Should Christians Be Concerned About Foreign Policy?

Foreign policy might seem like a topic for diplomats, politicians, or news junkies—but not necessarily for everyday Christians. After all, we’re called to focus on the kingdom of God, not the kingdoms of this world, right?

Yes—and yet.

The gospel doesn’t call us to retreat from the world; it calls us to engage it with the heart of Christ. We are not just observers—we are ambassadors (2 Corinthians 5:20), and that role carries weight, even in how we think about international affairs. Why should Christians be concerned about foreign policy? Because behind every policy decision are real people created in the image of God. And behind every headline are souls caught in the wake of war, peace, justice, oppression, or relief.

Whether it’s refugees fleeing violence, missionaries trying to access closed countries, or persecuted believers imprisoned without cause—foreign policy decisions impact them all. These are not abstract issues; they are profoundly human. And if we believe in a God who so loved the world (John 3:16), then we must learn to care not just about what happens on our street, but what happens across oceans, borders, and battle lines.

Being kingdom-minded doesn’t mean being globally blind. It means seeing the world through God’s eyes—and caring enough to respond with informed, prayerful compassion.

What Is Foreign Policy, and Why Does It Matter?

Foreign policy, simply put, is how one nation chooses to relate to other nations. It encompasses a wide range of decisions—military alliances and interventions, economic sanctions and trade agreements, diplomatic negotiations and humanitarian aid. In the United States, foreign policy choices determine how we engage with global hotspots and allies alike: from supporting Ukraine in a time of war, to standing with Israel in matters of regional stability, to responding to humanitarian crises in places like Sudan or Gaza.

But for Christians, foreign policy isn’t just a matter of national interest or economic strategy. It’s a matter of moral clarity. Every decision made on the global stage has real consequences for real people—families forced to flee war zones, children growing up in poverty, persecuted believers praying for relief, and missionaries seeking access to closed countries.

These aren’t just policy points—they’re personal to the heart of God.

As followers of Jesus, we are called not to tune out, but to look in with prayerful concern. Not because we’re trying to be political activists, but because we are called to love our neighbors—across the street and across the sea. Foreign policy, at its best, can be a tool for promoting justice, mercy, and peace. And we, as kingdom-minded citizens, should care how it’s used.

1. Because the Bible Calls Us to Seek Justice and Peace

From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture pulses with a call to justice. Not merely legal justice, but the deep, righteous compassion of God’s heart for the oppressed, the marginalized, and the vulnerable.

Micah 6:8 says it plainly: “What does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” That command wasn’t restricted to the borders of ancient Israel, and it’s not restricted to the political boundaries of any modern nation either. Justice is a divine priority—and it crosses every border.

Jeremiah 29:7 offers another layer: “Seek the peace and prosperity of the city to which I have carried you into exile.” Though God’s people were living in Babylon—a pagan, foreign land—they were still called to be peacemakers. Why? Because God’s concern isn’t limited to sacred spaces or chosen nations. He cares about the flourishing of all people, in every place.

As Christians, we follow the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6). And if we’re following Him, then we cannot be indifferent to how our own nation influences peace—or provokes conflict—around the world. When our foreign policy fosters justice, supports the vulnerable, and defends the cause of the oppressed, it reflects the character of the God we serve.

2. Because Global Policies Affect the Persecuted Church

In many regions of the world, following Jesus comes at a steep price. Believers in countries like North Korea, Iran, Nigeria, China, and parts of South Asia face daily threats—imprisonment, violence, economic discrimination, or even death—simply for their faith in Christ. These aren’t isolated incidents. They are ongoing realities for millions of our brothers and sisters in Christ.

And while persecution may feel far from our own church pews, our government’s foreign policy plays a role in their story. Diplomatic pressure, international sanctions, asylum laws, and religious freedom advocacy can all influence the degree of protection—or persecution—that Christians experience in hostile nations.

Hebrews 13:3 reminds us, “Continue to remember those in prison as if you were together with them in prison, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.” That verse doesn’t leave room for detached concern. It calls us to solidarity—empathy that moves us to action.

When we speak out, pray faithfully, and support policies that protect religious liberty, we aren’t just engaging in politics—we’re living out the gospel. Advocating for the persecuted Church is part of what it means to belong to the body of Christ, worldwide.

3. Because We’re Called to Love Our Neighbors—Even International Ones

When Jesus gave the command, “Love your neighbor as yourself” (Mark 12:31), He didn’t attach a map. That neighbor isn’t limited to the person living next door or sharing your zip code. In the eyes of Christ, the refugee in Syria, the orphan in Sudan, and the widow in Ukraine are neighbors too.

Foreign policy touches all of them.

When our nation determines how much humanitarian aid to give, how many refugees to welcome, or whether to stand up against oppressive regimes, those decisions reflect our collective priorities. And as Christians, we’re called to ensure those priorities align with God’s heart for justice, mercy, and compassion.

Proverbs 31:8–9 says, “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves… defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Supporting foreign policy that brings relief to the suffering or defends the vulnerable is not an act of partisanship—it’s an act of neighborly love.

Loving our international neighbors may start with awareness, but it shouldn’t end there. When we vote, advocate, or even pray with a heart for the world’s most vulnerable, we reflect the character of a God who so loved the world.

4. Because Foreign Policy Affects Missions and Global Evangelism

The Great Commission isn’t just a Sunday school memory verse—it’s a global mandate. Jesus called His followers to go into all the world and make disciples (Matthew 28:19). But that calling often intersects with the realities of foreign policy.

When countries open their borders, missionaries gain access. When they close, gospel workers face roadblocks. Foreign policy influences visa availability, travel restrictions, and safety conditions. It can dictate whether a missionary can get in—or get out. It can determine whether Bibles are welcomed as literature or banned as contraband.

Paul wrote from prison, asking the church to pray that “God may open a door for our message” (Colossians 4:3). Today, those doors often hinge on international relationships, treaties, and diplomatic goodwill. Policies that promote religious freedom and international cooperation can open pathways for evangelism, Bible translation, humanitarian outreach, and discipleship.

Supporting global missions means more than giving to a missionary—it means praying and advocating for policies that keep the doors open. Because when access is granted, the gospel can go forth. And when it does, lives are changed—sometimes whole nations at a time.

5. Because Nations Are Accountable to God

God doesn’t just hold individuals accountable—He holds nations accountable too. Scripture is filled with examples: Nineveh was warned through Jonah. Babylon was humbled through Daniel. Even Israel, God’s chosen people, was not spared when they drifted from justice and righteousness.

Proverbs 14:34 says, “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin condemns any people.” That doesn’t mean we confuse America—or any other modern country—with the kingdom of God. But it does mean that nations are not morally neutral. The policies they enact, the causes they promote, the justice they uphold (or ignore)—all of it matters to the Lord.

Foreign policy is one of the key ways a nation reveals its priorities. Does it protect the innocent? Defend the persecuted? Promote peace and justice? These are not merely political questions—they’re theological ones. As citizens of both heaven and earth, we’re called to care about whether our nation reflects God’s standards, even in its dealings with the rest of the world.

And while we await the return of the true King who will set all things right, we are still called to influence our world for good. That includes using our voice, our vote, and our prayers to hold our nation accountable to the principles of righteousness, mercy, and truth.but it does mean we care about how our nation lives out justice, truth, and mercy in the global arena.

6. Because Silence Isn’t Neutral

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed or disengaged when it comes to foreign policy. The issues seem distant. The terminology can be confusing. And the politics? Often discouraging. But from a biblical standpoint, silence is not a neutral option.

Proverbs 31:8–9 urges us to “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves… defend the rights of the poor and needy.” That doesn’t just apply to the courtroom or the city gate—it applies globally. When people suffer under unjust regimes, when innocent lives are taken in war, or when persecuted believers cry out for help, our silence can become complicity.

Jesus didn’t call His followers to be passive observers of a broken world. He called us to be salt and light—to engage, influence, and speak truth in love. Foreign policy gives Christians a way to do just that. Whether through voting, advocating, or simply praying for those making decisions, we can play a role in shaping a more just and compassionate world.

When we choose to ignore these issues, we don’t stay neutral—we simply choose not to care. And that’s not the way of Christ.

7. Because Foreign Policy Also Involves Protecting Our Own People

While much of foreign policy rightly focuses on international aid and global justice, we must also remember that part of a nation’s responsibility—biblically and morally—is to protect its own people. Caring for others does not mean neglecting our own.

In Nehemiah 1–2, we see a godly example of this balance. When Nehemiah heard of Jerusalem’s broken walls and burned gates, he didn’t just offer thoughts and prayers. He got involved. He prayed, planned, and then asked the king for permission to rebuild. And why? Not because he was callous to outsiders, but because a nation in ruins can’t help others very well. Rebuilding the walls was about restoring dignity, safety, and order to God’s people—so they could again be a light to the nations.

Borders and protection are not inherently unloving. In fact, they can be expressions of wise stewardship. Strong nations that are secure and well-governed are better positioned to offer real help to those in need. That includes evaluating who comes in, how they’re integrated, and whether our systems can handle those needs responsibly.

Christians should be among those advocating for a balanced approach—compassionate toward the foreigner and refugee (Exodus 22:21), yet also committed to protecting innocent lives and upholding justice within our own communities. It’s not either/or. It’s both/and.

Foreign policy must reflect both mercy and wisdom. Love and law. Hospitality and security. That’s the kind of balance that honors God and blesses nations.

What Can Christians Do?

You don’t need a degree in political science to make a difference. Here’s where to start:

• Pray for our leaders (1 Timothy 2:1–2) and for global justice and peace.
• Learn about foreign issues from biblically sound and ethically trustworthy sources.
• Advocate for policies that reflect biblical values—through your vote, your voice, and your influence.
• Support global missions, humanitarian work, and ministries serving persecuted Christians.

Final Thoughts: Be Salt and Light—Even in Global Affairs

Why should Christians be concerned about foreign policy? Because the love of Christ compels us to care—not just about our world, but about the world.

We are citizens of heaven, yes, but we are also neighbors to a hurting, complex globe. Let’s not check out when it gets political. Let’s lean in, prayerfully and humbly, asking, “Lord, how can I be part of Your kingdom work—even through the way I care about foreign policy?”

Have you ever prayed over a foreign policy decision or global issue? What stirred your heart to get involved?