Sometimes the Bible tells us EXACTLY what to do. How should we treat foreigners and refugees in need? Politics aside, God has made His position crystal clear. As Christians, we must show the love of Jesus to the huddled masses yearning to be free. And that means speaking out in opposition toward government officials when they act wrongly. It also means finding meaningful and practical ways to help. I understand the concern that children could be trafficked over the border. Fortunately we have DNA testing to confirm identities if necessary. But this issue is a political stunt, just like the mistreatment of "Dreamers." While the United States does not have a covenant with God the way that Israel did, His perspective toward refugees is made abundantly clear in the instructions they received and we would be wise to learn how God views foreigners and adjust our actions accordingly.
And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt. -Deuteronomy 10:19
Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners in Egypt. -Exodus 22:21
The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God. -Leviticus 19:34
Innocent Families are trying to escape poverty and oppression and while they are to be expected to follow every law of the United States, Here is what God says about people who have escaped oppression and are seeking refuge:
If a slave has taken refuge with you, do not hand them over to their master. Let them live among you wherever they like and in whatever town they choose. Do not oppress them. -Deuteromony 23:15-16
And...churches should pay for their keep out of the tithe because God established the tithe to take care of them:
At the end of every third year you shall bring out all the tithe of your produce in that year, and shall deposit it in your town. The Levite, because he has no portion or inheritance among you, and the foreigner, the orphan and the widow who are in your town, shall come and eat and be satisfied, in order that the LORD your God may bless you in all the work of your hand which you do.... (Deuteronomy 14:28-29)
Give them what God says belongs to them. It is true, that there is nothing new under the sun. Ancient Israel was repeatedly harmed by a nation full of terrorists, the Assyrians. Jonah was given the task of preaching to them. He was reluctant, in part because of their evil and the harm they had done. But God had a different viewpoint:
"Should I not have compassion on Nineveh, the great city in which there are more than 120,000 persons who do not know the difference between their right and left hand, as well as many animals?"
By ministering to them, not only was the city, including their many children who didn't know right from wrong, spared because they repented, but we do not know how much relief and protection Israel may have received in the short term as a result of Jonah's actions. Only God knows. The fact is, that God cared for those people and the children of the terrorists, just as he cares for the refugees, especially the children and we should have compassion.
If you are concerned about terrorists sneaking in with and as refugees or immigrants, then Pray. Witness. Show them the love of Christ. Keep wary eyes open, but show them kindness and the love of Christ. In the case of immigrants, show them the promise of America. In the case of Muslim refugees, prove that they have been told lies about not only our nation, but about the Christians who live here and the God that we serve. I am not saying that America is a Christian nation, but God has promised His blessing to Christians for our obedience and if that promise overflows to bring blessing and protection to our nation, then all the better. It is HIS job to protect us. It is OUR job to protect those refugees and to care for them. If the government refuses to allow a family to enter the U.S., then they should be turned away or sent back with their family intact. No just law separates families this way. Of course, the Christian perspective is to welcome them with open arms. Whatever position our government takes, Christians must be compassionate. I encourage you to meditate on the following verses today, especially if you live in America, perhaps the most blessed nation on earth:
"Anyone who has two shirts should share with the one who has none, and anyone who has food should do the same." Luke 3:11
Do not deprive the foreigner or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge". (Deuteronomy 24:17)
Do not deprive the foreigner or the fatherless of justice, or take the cloak of the widow as a pledge". (Deuteronomy 24:17)
You shall open your hand wide to your brother, to your poor, and your needy in your land. -Deuteronomy 15:11
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