Hot topic #5 Borders and Immigration

Immigration is a major topic in today’s world, with debates about national borders, refugees, and how to treat immigrants. For Christians, the Bible provides guidance on how to approach these issues with both justice and compassion. While the Bible does not address modern immigration policies directly, it does lay out principles that can help believers think biblically about immigration and borders.

1. God Commands Fair and Compassionate Treatment of Immigrants

Throughout Scripture, God commands His people to treat foreigners with kindness and fairness. Leviticus 19:33-34 states:

“When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God.”

This passage reminds Israel of their own history as foreigners in Egypt and calls them to show love and justice to immigrants. The principle of caring for outsiders remains relevant for Christians today.

2. God Cares Deeply for the Vulnerable, Including Immigrants

The Bible often groups “the sojourner” (foreigner) with other vulnerable groups such as orphans and widows, emphasizing God’s concern for their well-being. Deuteronomy 10:18-19 says:

“He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing. Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.”

This shows that God’s people are called to reflect His heart by caring for those in need, including immigrants and refugees.

3. Nations Have a Right to Borders and Laws

While the Bible calls for kindness to foreigners, it also affirms the existence of national borders and governance. In Acts 17:26, Paul says:

“And He made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place.”

This verse acknowledges that God establishes nations and their borders. Governments have a God-given responsibility to maintain order and justice (Romans 13:1-7), which includes managing immigration policies.

4. Justice and Mercy Must Be Balanced

The Bible emphasizes both justice and mercy. Governments are called to enforce laws fairly (Proverbs 21:15), while individuals and churches are called to show mercy and hospitality (Hebrews 13:2). Christians should support policies that uphold both security and compassion, ensuring that immigrants are treated with dignity while respecting the rule of law.

5. Christians Should Remember Their True Citizenship

While earthly nations and borders exist, the Bible teaches that believers’ ultimate citizenship is in heaven. Philippians 3:20 says:

“But our citizenship is in heaven, and from it we await a Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.”

This perspective reminds Christians to prioritize God’s kingdom above earthly divisions and to show love to all people, regardless of their nationality.

Conclusion

The Bible teaches that immigrants should be treated with justice, compassion, and dignity. At the same time, it recognizes the importance of national borders and laws. As Christians, we are called to balance respect for law and government with love and care for the foreigner. Most importantly, we should remember that our ultimate home is in God’s kingdom, where people from every nation will one day worship together as one family in Christ (Revelation 7:9).