Heart Check: Immigrants
The Lord guards the immigrants. Psalm 146:9
How we respond to immigrants is not just a heart check issue. At present, it is also a “hot button” topic. Nearly everyone has an opinion, ranging from those who believe that immigration should be tightly controlled, expelling those who are not here legally. To the other end of the spectrum, a call for open borders with no restrictions.
Distinguishing between legal and illegal immigration falls under the government’s jurisdiction, but should it make a difference to God’s people? Confusion abounds. One presidential administration closes the door, and the next one opens it up.
Irrespective of the claim that the United States is an unjust, immoral country filled with inequity and racism, it still seems like it is the country where much of the rest of the world desires to live. If things were as bad as the detractors claim, immigration would not be an issue.
Border security and immigration quotas are legitimate issues for discussion. If the country cannot agree on a policy, should immigrants be penalized for desiring better opportunities for themselves and their families?[1]
For our “Heart Check,” it does not matter how they arrived or whether they are “legal.” What we need to consider is what God’s heart is for immigrants and whether we agree. The emotional level is high.
God Loves Immigrants
He enacts justice for orphans and widows, and he loves immigrants, giving them food and clothing. Deuteronomy 10:18 (CEB)
A common refrain is that we cannot afford to care for immigrants until all the needs of citizens are provided. On a natural level, this seems reasonable, but God has a different plan. Not only does God care for and love immigrants, but he also requires that we love them as well.
That means you must also love immigrants because you were immigrants in Egypt. Deuteronomy 10:19 (CEB)
Yes, God was speaking to Israel, but we must not forget that we were “outsiders” too.
In those days you were living apart from Christ. You were excluded from citizenship among the people of Israel, and you did not know the covenant promises God had made to them. You lived in this world without God and without hope. Ephesians 2:12 (NLT)
God’s heart is for outsiders. The lesson that God wants us to learn is this: He specializes in including those who, at one time, were formerly excluded. He demonstrated this great love to us so that we, in turn, will have hearts that are open to strangers. After all, reconciliation is our responsibility. (2 Corinthians 5:17-21).
But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near by the blood of Christ. Ephesians 2:13 (NIV)
The Least of These
For I was hungry, and you fed me. I was thirsty, and you gave me a drink. I was a stranger, and you invited me into your home. Matthew 25:35 (NLT)
When we see an immigrant, can we see Jesus? If not, perhaps we need a new perspective. Whether we speak of the poor, the imprisoned, or the immigrant, we will be of most extraordinary service if we remember what Jesus said. “And the King will say, ‘I tell you the truth when you did it to one of the least of these my brothers and sisters, you were doing it to me!’ Matthew 25:40 (NLT)
Interestingly, Hebrews 13:2 reminds us to show hospitality to strangers because of the possibility that it is extending hospitality to angels without knowing it. Jesus takes this one step further by telling us that when we serve “the least of these,” including immigrants, we might be, in essence serving him. If that does not provoke us into action, what will?
Go, Or He Will Bring Them to Us
The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) calls on Christ-followers to go into all the world and preach the gospel, making disciples of all nations. In many respects, this is happening, but work still needs to be done.
As we wrap this up, I would like to present one more reason why we should not only receive and love immigrants but be grateful for the opportunity. There are many reasons why not everyone can go to the foreign mission field, even on a short-term basis.
There may be issues of time, health, or finances, or perhaps there is just a reluctance to go. Whatever the reason, these Christ-followers are missing out on a great blessing and privilege. Could it be that God, in His wisdom and mercy, is bringing all of the world to us?
Whether we can go or not, we should take the opportunity to have a “heart check.” I pray that each one of us will have the desire to not only have a heart for God but to have a heart like God’s. And that our hearts beat in harmony with His and with each other.
Steve Ekeroth
[1] U.S. Border & Migrant Immigration — The Border as an Attractive Nuisance | National Review
I have preached in many places that if someone uninvited tries to break down my door, they will likely be met with the sound of my pump shot gun. However, if invited, I should welcome and care for them, regardless of how they got here.
While I agree that we should treat all with dignity and respect and be accepting of immigrants there are valid arguments on the other side of this issue. Allow me to add perspective from someone that lives near the border and sees a great deal first hand. First I have no issue with anyone from anywhere migrating to the United States for a better life. I want to make that point perfectly clear.
I do however have significant issue with illegal immigration. Just as Jesus said, “those who enter by other than the gate, are theives and robbers”. I don’t know a single person that wants to halt all immigration. It is only illegal immigration that is a concern. My concern is both for American citizens and for the immigrants themselves.
Anyone living near the border knows well that the Mexican side of the border is totally controlled by the cartels. No one, (illegal immigrants), gets through the border area and gets across the border without going through the cartels. People are forced to pay the cartels to get them across the border. We call these human traffickers “coyotes”. In addition to paying thousands of dollars to the cartels to sneak them across the border, people are forced to carry drugs, being the “mules” for the cartels.
A large majority of women are sexually assaulted and raped by their coyotes. Many children, especially the unaccompanied children, simply vanish from existence. Without family or documentation these children are prime for the underground child sex trafficking network. All of this is what is being supported by supporting illegal immigration.
Most that do not live near the border do not see any of this nor hear of any of it. If you are like me and live near the border you see it is a daily occurrence. Border control is actually nothing to do with immigration. It is controlling the crime that victimizes the immigrants trying to get here. By going through the legal process, being a legal immigrant, they don’t get tangled up in this evil web of human trafficking. I know without a doubt that Jesus would agree.