Torch, Spring/Summer 2012

biblical teaching on how God’s people ought to respond to foreigners residing in their land simply because some do not have legal authorization. The Hebrew word for an immigrant, ger , appears 92 times in the Old Testament alone, often in context of God declaring that the native-born Israelites and the immigrants who came into their land should be treated equally (Ex. 12:49). Immigrants are repeatedly mentioned alongside the fatherless and widows as uniquely vulnerable and worthy of special care (Ps. 146:9, Jer. 7:6, Ezek. 22:7, Zech. 7:10, Mal. 3:5). The New Testament echoes these instructions with Jesus’ command to love our neighbors (Luke 10:27) and with the persistent expectation that Christians offer hospitality (Rom. 12:13, Heb. 13:2, 1 Pet. 4:9). We often think of this as simply hosting our friends for a meal, but this instruction also includes welcoming those who are strangers . Though the commands to welcome and love immigrants are frequent and direct, Scripture also makes clear that those who follow Christ should be subject to the governmental authorities (Rom. 13:1–2). Peter echoes a similar injunction, arguing that submission to governmental authorities “is the will of God” (1 Pet. 2:13–15). How, then, should Christians respond to the estimated 11.5 million immigrants living inside the United States in violation of U.S. law? For churches and for most U.S. citizens (in most states), the good news is there are actually very few ways that a U.S. citizen could violate U.S. immigration laws. A local church, or the individuals who make up the church, can show Christ’s love to immigrants and never violate the law. For most of us, then, there is no conflict between ministering to and befriending immigrants, regardless of their legal status, and being subject to the law. Thus, there is no excuse not to obey Scripture’s commands. As Pastor Rick Warren says, “The Church must show compassion ... A good Samaritan doesn’t stop and ask the injured person, ‘Are you legal or illegal?’” A Call to Obey It is important to note, though, that laws could change, which begs the question: how should a Christian respond if ministry to undocumented immigrants is criminalized? Spring-Summer 2012 | TORCH 9