July 30, 2022

Leviticus 19: 33, 34 (NIV)

“When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.”

God’s own deep commitment to justice leads Him to require that in human society we also maintain a commitment to do right by all.*

The subject of illegal aliens is an explosive one right now. No matter where you stand politically, there is one position that meets with God’s approval: the alien living in the land must be treated with the same respect as the native-born.

Did I say that illegal aliens should be granted amnesty or citizenship? Did I say they should all be shipped back where they came from? Does it matter what I say? Look again at what God said: “Do not mistreat him.” What did God not say? He did not say that aliens should not be subject to the same laws as citizens. In fact, God is not addressing immigration policy at all; he is addressing his stance on the treatment of the powerless.

When we study the Old Testament, we become acquainted with God’s position on many social issues. How we treat the weak among us is a frequently recurring theme and is reinforced by Jesus during his public ministry. The passage and enforcement of civil laws is a matter for the secular authorities. But no matter their legal status, the poor, the hungry, the sick, and the lonely are included on the list of those to whom we must show God’s love. Having trouble getting past the illegal label? Do you recall that the list of the powerless also includes prisoners? 

As Christians, we are called to love others as God loves them – without prejudice. How we demonstrate that love is often a matter of our personal calling from God but it is always a priority. Because he is the Lord your God.

Deep down in the heart of every person is a hidden desire to reinterpret Jesus in light of our own culture, political bent, or favorite theological belief.*