We hear about it almost daily on the news: so many people entering the United States, mostly by illegal means. For centuries, North America has been a place where immigrants from other nations have journeyed; looking for freedom, opportunity, and the hope of a better life. Today, however, many immigrants cross the border without registering; without respecting the laws of the nation.
It makes me wonder: What would Jesus say to all these people? These “illegals?”
Would he brush aside the law to accommodate those who make nighttime scrambles through border security? I don’t think so. Would he treat illegals as human beings; loving them and seeking the best for them? I’m sure he would. So where’s the balance?
Here are four things I believe Jesus would say to an illegal immigrant:
1. “There is hope for you, and you matter very much.” Jesus knows everything about us. He knows about our families. He knows about our worries, our fears, and our dreams. No matter what country we come from or what language we speak, we matter to God. He made each of us for a purpose. We can always be accepted as part of his family.
2. “To honor God, you need to follow the law.” Illegally entering another country doesn’t just break the laws of that nation; it breaks God’s law as well. Jesus taught that we should never steal, lie, or dishonor authority, three things always involved in illegal immigration (“stealing” benefits you did not earn, “lying” to get a job and “dishonoring authority” by ignoring government leaders and police). The Bible says, “Obey the government, for God is the one who put it there…So those who refuse to obey the laws of the land are refusing to obey God…For the authorities do not frighten people who are doing right, but they frighten those who do wrong. So do what they say, and you will get along well. The authorities are sent by God to help you. But if you are doing something wrong, of course you should be afraid…So you must obey the government for two reasons: to keep from being punished and to keep a clear conscience.” (Rom. 13:1-5, NLT) Jesus says that paying taxes, respecting authority, and following the law are important parts of obeying God, setting a good example for our children, and enjoying peaceful lives.
3. “Focus on the things that matter most.” Many people who sneak into the United States do so because they want to make more money. Any sensible person can understand this; we all want to make a better future for ourselves and our kids. But is money more important than honor? Is a good job more important than obeying Jesus? Jesus taught that if we trust in him, he will help us meet our needs, wherever we are. He told his disciples to “seek first the kingdom of God," not earthly things (Matthew 6:19-34). He said our main focus should be “heavenly treasure.” (If our priorities are right, is it still O.K. to pursue a better life on earth? Sure. But should we do this illegally? Never.)
4. “I love you!” Even
to people who have done wrong, Jesus says, “I love you more than you can
imagine.” That’s really why Jesus died
for us. It’s not because we did anything
deserving of his love, it’s because he is our creator and he believes we are
important. Even through difficult times,
it is always great to know that God loves us.
He wants the best for us.
Following His rules and His purpose is the best pathway to a bright and meaningful future.
That goes for all of us, immigrant or not.
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I originally wrote this article for publication in the M.I. Sun Times. It also appeared in CitizenUSA.
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