“You are no longer aliens or foreign visitors, but citizens like all the saints and members of God’s household.”Ephesians 2:19–22

Today, St. Paul reminds us that we are not merely citizens of this world, but eternal citizens of heaven. In Christ, we belong to a family that transcends every border and nationality-the household of God.

These words led me to reflect on the painful experiences of many immigrants in foreign lands, men and women who, despite their hard work and contribution, are often treated with disdain, contempt, or suspicion. They are constantly reminded that they are “foreigners.”

Recently, the UK announced plans to extend the wait for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) to ten years-a decision that makes the path to citizenship even longer and more burdensome. For many, it means more years of visa renewals, higher fees, NHS levies, and emotional exhaustion. Sadly, these stories echo across nations in the West-systems that seem designed to profit from people’s struggles rather than ease their burdens.

Migrating is not an easy road

It is painful to witness individuals who left their home countries; fleeing war, poverty, or instability, only to find themselves denied the dignity and belonging they hoped for. They work tirelessly, pay taxes, raise families, and still remain unrecognised, always “outsiders” in the eyes of the law.

Yet St. Paul reminds us that our truest identity and belonging are not granted by earthly systems but by divine grace. In the kingdom of God, you are fully accepted, fully loved, and fully citizen with all the rights and benefits that belong to the saints. Heaven recognises you even when the world rejects you.

So, lift your head high, child of God.
You may be a foreigner on earth, but you are at home in heaven.
You may be denied an earthly passport, but your heavenly identity is sealed in Christ.

Say this in faith:

“I am no longer a stranger, I belong to the household of God.”

May the Lord comfort every soul struggling with rejection. May He turn delay into divine favour and exclusion into elevation. And may your life remind the world that true citizenship is not written on paper but written in heaven. Amen. 🙏🏽