In today’s age, we have become increasingly divided on certain topics and are often presented with the choice between two opposing views. Immigration has become one of the most divisive topics within the modern political climate. The tragedy of this is that Christians have been thrust into the middle of this conflict. Too often, politics distorts one’s view on an issue. As Christians, we should be asking what the Biblical response to this crisis is, rather than trying to conform scripture to a specific ideology. What does the Bible have to say about issues of immigration, caring for the poor, and interacting with the government?
Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in[a] the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit.
Matthew 28:19
It is interesting to read what Jesus says here: Go make disciples. This is not limited to a specific group or people; it is for EVERYONE. We are to make Christ known to all nations. This is where the topic of immigration comes into play. We are faced with the fact that many people have entered our nation seeking a chance at a better life. Like it or not, it would be impossible to deport every single person who has entered America.
Christians now have to ask the question, what do we do about this? Do we sit on the sidelines and watch as the chaos ensues? Do we choose a side within this conflict? The reality is that many Christians have done those very things, but is this really the best course of action? Many are quick to voice their opinions, to let the whole world know what they think. The tension within our nation is visceral; it is explosive.
There are those who feel trapped, forced to align with one side or the other, and others blindly follow the beat of the drum their political party has set. It is as if all nuance has been done away with. The most tragic part of this is that Christians on BOTH sides have fallen victim to this form of tribalism; whoever is not on your side becomes an opponent, and this has divided people within the church. The Bible calls for unity among believers (Gal. 3:28), yet we have let our emotions and political biases cause discord within the Body of Christ. As members of the Body, we must seek unity among ourselves if we are to be the brightest light to those going through the darkest depths.
In the modern era, information is readily available, and people are fed political dogma ad nauseam. However, countless biblical passages address the foreigner within a nation. All such passages compel us to treat others with compassion. In the book of Jeremiah, the nation of Israel had turned its heart away from the LORD. In his prophecy, he tells them that they must stop the injustices they have caused to the people living among them.
“But I will be merciful only if you stop your evil thoughts and deeds and start treating each other with justice; only if you stop exploiting foreigners, orphans, and widows; only if you stop murdering; and only if you stop harming yourselves by worshiping idols.” (Jeremiah 7:5-6)
Believers are called to have compassion for the vulnerable. In Jeremiah and other books of the Bible, there is a clear initiative to help those who cannot help themselves: the orphan, the widow, and the foreigner. The book of Ruth provides the most robust example of the experience of an immigrant in the biblical era. Boaz is an example of how we are called to treat the vulnerable. Ruth was not only a foreigner, but she was also a widow. Boaz dealt kindly with both Ruth and Naomi; he made the effort to show kindness when others may not have.
As Christians, we are called to imitate Christ. The ultimate example of servant leadership was the life of Christ. He came down to this world to offer hope and redemption to a fallen world. He came to serve rather than to be served. Oftentimes, Christians will use scripture for their own purposes, blurring the line between faith and politics. Although both sides of the political spectrum may have valid arguments to support their position, should we not be more focused on the mission to walk like Christ: to help the vulnerable, the sick, the outcast?
In 1 Peter 2:12, Christians are told to “Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.” Later in the same chapter, we are told to “Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority.” The burning question is: what is the Biblical response to all of this? In verse 12, we are told to live good lives and do good deeds, but we must also ensure that our deeds glorify God, so that people cannot accuse us of wrongdoing. Are Christians acting justly, loving mercifully, and walking humbly with the LORD? If so, how are we actively showing that to people? It’s easy to love someone with whom we agree, but it is harder to love the person we have decided is a threat. How are we to love our neighbor?
The “Parable of the Good Samaritan” contains the best example of how Christians are supposed to treat those around them. In the story, Jesus calls out three different men, each with a distinct societal position. A Levite, a Priest, and a Samaritan; a holy man, a minister, and an outcast. At first glance, one would think that the Priest or the Levite would be the examples of good neighborship; instead, it was the Samaritan, the one who was hated and ostracized. In this parable, Jesus defies expectations, showing the importance of being a neighbor regardless of class or creed.
The Apostle Paul reminds believers within the Philippian church that “Our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.” (Phil. 3:20)
As believers in Christ, our purpose should be to bring others closer to Christ. Regardless of their place of origin, every person has a soul and is given the option to follow Christ. It is the duty of Christian to seek first the Kingdom of God. Does this mean that Christians should stop voicing their opinions on political issues? Stay out of politics altogether?
Not necessarily. The question must be asked, though: are we letting our politics influence how we practice our faith? Or are we letting our faith influence how we live our lives? Many are quick to the keyboard to call out injustices and maltreatment, but when it comes time to help someone in need, they shy away. Others may have the firmest opinions when it comes to immigration policy, but have never interacted with the people they are vilifying. This goes for both sides; ICE agents and immigrants are all made in the image of God. As Christians, we should be concerned with issues that directly affect our country, but we must never forget that we have been called to so much more.