Immigration takes the stage as a central hot topic issue.
Let's make a few observations before attempting to answer the question. First
off, the United States is not a theocracy like the Old Testament Israelites.
Second, we cannot point to any Bible passage for U.S. regulation of the issue;
and finally, we must submit to the laws of the land (see Romans 13). However,
we have been a nation who has been biblically informed in decision making in
the past. Think about these conversations on God’s character:
1. God has always
had a heart for those who are on the social fringes. God has a heart for the
fatherless, widow, and the foreigner. (James 1:27 and Leviticus 19:24)
2. The Holy Spirit
calls us to bear fruits in keeping with love, gentleness, and kindness which
are all perfectly reflected in Jesus Christ. (Philippians 4:5)
3. God loves all
people no matter their ethnic status or background. (2 Peter 3:9; Acts 17:26)
It is clear that illegal immigration is against the law and
we as believers cannot say that the law doesn’t matter. Illegal immigration
provides benefits as well as some issues for the United States. With the
surprising loss of life through abortions each year, someone needs to talk the
low paying jobs and rent the low rent housing. So illegal immigrants do provide
an economic benefit to the country and communities; however, the law must be
honored.
So I would call for fellow believers to seek a balance
between mercy and honoring the law. A
position that takes into consideration the mercy that these immigrants may
desperately need in pursuit of better lives for themselves and their children
but also honors the law. I would personally advocate for the option of a
pathway towards citizenship with the reasonable penalty being paid as part of
that process. Similar to a speeding ticket or a parking ticket, the punishment
must fit the crime.
The oversimplified solution of putting all illegals on a
boat sending them back to their country of origin lacks the needed gospel perspective.
In 2010, the United States received over 42 million international immigrants,
which was around 20% of the global total.[1] We
must view this as not just a political issue but as a gospel issue.
Immigration, legal or illegal, provides opportunities to fulfill the Great Commission.
Dr. J.D. Payne points out that it is estimated that there are 361 unreached
people groups in the United States.[2] As
Christians, we have a responsibility to take the gospel to the immigrant, legal
or not. Let’s not pass up the opportunity to meet the Acts 1:8 challenge in our
backyards and across the street.
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