Jesus Set a Godly Example of How to Show Compassion Towards Others (Regardless of their legal status.)

The United States government has taken a strong stance against illegal immigration.  How does that align with God’s Word?

First, as Believers, God calls us to pray for our leaders and governments whether or not we voted for them, because how our civic leaders do their jobs has a real and very direct impact on our lives.

Second, we are also called to submit to authorities, unless it conflicts with God’s Word.

It is reasonable and necessary for every nation on earth to have geographical boundaries and laws in place to protect its borders; however, inhuman and  unjust policies are not supported by the Bible.

 

From God’s perspective, a person in need, is a person in need and we are to help all those in need that we can.

 

A persons’ legal status does not change how we are to treat them.  In fact, the Bible emphasizes compassion, justice, and kindness even towards our enemies. Scripture contains multiple passages that encourage believers to welcome and care for strangers and foreigners, reflecting God’s love for all humanity.

Old Testament Teachings

Exodus 22:21: “You shall not wrong a stranger or oppress him, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.” (NCV)

Leviticus 19:33-34:   “When a stranger resides with you in your land, you shall not wrong him. The stranger who resides with you shall be to you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt; I am the Lord your God.” (NASB 1995)

Deuteronomy 10:18-19: “He executes justice for the orphan and the widow, and shows His love for the alien by giving him food and clothing. So show your love for the alien, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.” (NIV)

Psalm 146:9 : “The LORD watches over the sojourners; He upholds the widow and the fatherless, but the way of the wicked He brings to ruin.” (NIV)

Proverbs 31:8-9: “Open your mouth for the speechless, in the cause of all who are appointed to die. Open your mouth, judge righteously, and plead the cause of the poor and needy.” (NKJV)

Zechariah 7:9-10: “Thus says the LORD of hosts: ‘Execute true justice, show mercy and compassion to one another; do not oppress the widow, the fatherless, the sojourner, or the poor.’” (NKJV)

New Testament Teachings

Matthew 7:12:  “Therefore, whatever you want men to do to you, do also to them, for this is the Law and the Prophets.” (NKJV)

Matthew 25:35: “For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in.” (NIV)

Acts 17:26: “And He made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth.” (NIV)

Romans 12:13:  “Contribute to the needs of the saints and seek to show hospitality.” (ESV)

Titus 3:2: “To speak evil of no one, to be peaceable and considerate, and always to be gentle toward all men.” (NKJV)

Hebrews 13:2: “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by this some have entertained angels without knowing it.” (Amplified Bible)

A Call to Love and Justice With God’s Mercy

The biblical approach to dealing with immigrants is rooted in the same principles of love, justice, and empathy we are to show to everyone. Scripture reminds Believers of their own history as strangers and are called to treat everyone with the same love and respect they would wish for themselves.

That does not mean a nation has to have open borders, but God will judge whether or not a nation offers compassion to its strangers.  God is no respecter of persons and the Bible’s teachings encourage a society where everyone, regardless of their background, is treated with dignity and compassion.

Micah 6:8: “He has shown you, O man, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?” (NKJV)

Proverbs 3:5-6: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” (NKJV)

Isaiah 56:6-7: “Also the sons of the stranger, who join themselves to the LORD, to serve Him, and to love the name of the LORD, to be His servants… For My house shall be called a house of prayer for all nations.” (NKJV)

John 13:34: “A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another; as I have loved you, that you also love one another.” (NKJV)

Galatians 3:28: “There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is neither male nor female; for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (NKJV)

Colossians 3:11: “Where there is neither Greek nor Jew, circumcised nor uncircumcised, barbarian, Scythian, slave nor free, but Christ is all, and in all.” (NKJV)

1 John 4:20: “If anyone says, ‘I love God,’ and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen, how can he love God whom he has not seen?” (NKJV)

Elsewhere on the Web:

What Does the Bible Say about Illegal Immigration?  To form a proper perspective on the issue of illegal immigration, we must look beyond the promises of any political party or political candidate and look intently at what the Bible has to say about nations, borders, and immigrants. (Christianity.com)