This is a subject people feel strongly about, and it can quickly turn political. Our aim is not to advance any party or policy, but to open the Bible and let it shape our hearts. Scripture speaks with real compassion for the outsider, and it also upholds order, honesty, and the role of government.
The short answer
The Bible commands God's people to love the stranger and treat the sojourner with kindness and fairness, because every person is made in God's image. It also affirms law, order, and the authority God gives to government. Scripture gives us principles, compassion and justice together, not a partisan policy to enforce on others.
God commands love for the stranger
Throughout the Bible, God tells His people to care for the foreigner among them, and He grounds that command in their own experience of having been strangers.
"But the stranger that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD your God."Leviticus 19:34
God pays special attention to the vulnerable, including those far from home, and He calls His people to reflect His heart.
"He doth execute the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving him food and raiment."Deuteronomy 10:18
Compassion is a gospel test
Jesus taught that how we treat the outsider and the needy reflects our love for Him. Welcoming the stranger is not optional kindness. It is Christlike living.
"I was a stranger, and ye took me in: Naked, and ye clothed me: I was sick, and ye visited me: I was in prison, and ye came unto me."Matthew 25:35-36
The parable of the good Samaritan teaches that our neighbor includes the person of a different background lying in need before us.
"Go, and do thou likewise."Luke 10:37
Order and government also matter
Compassion does not cancel the Bible's teaching that God establishes governing authorities to maintain order and justice. Believers are told to respect law and those who administer it.
"Let every soul be subject unto the higher powers. For there is no power but of God: the powers that be are ordained of God."Romans 13:1
Scripture also calls for honesty and fairness in how we treat everyone, native or newcomer alike.
"Ye shall have one manner of law, as well for the stranger, as for one of your own country: for I am the LORD your God."Leviticus 24:22
A common misunderstanding
Some think the Bible settles every immigration policy question, and that anyone who disagrees is unbiblical. The truth is more careful. Scripture gives us clear moral commitments, love the stranger, do justice, show mercy, honor lawful order, care for the vulnerable, but it does not hand us a modern legislative plan. Sincere Christians can hold different views on the details while agreeing on these principles. Our job is to keep compassion and integrity together, to treat every person as an image-bearer, and to refuse to let this issue harden us against people God loves.
You are welcome to talk with us
Whatever your background or your situation, you are welcome at our church in Greenwood. If you are far from home, or you simply want to talk about what the Bible teaches, we would love to listen and to help. Please reach out any time, or come and visit us this Sunday.