Kindnesses to the Stranger
To the editor:
Some refer to Leviticus 19: 33-34 as though it should be our federal immigration policy. It reads: “When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” NIV Requiring the foreign born or stranger to obey the laws of the land or lawful orders of a law enforcement officer is not oppression. It is the same standard every native-born citizen should expect from themselves and from every other person residing in the country.
Sometimes they say that Jesus and his parents were sojourners in Egypt. That is true; so what is a sojourner? A sojourner is a temporary resident. We have laws that allow for foreign visitors. A sojourner is not someone who intends to stay, and definitely not someone who sneaks into the country, deliberately breaking our country’s immigration laws.
What about “they are good people who just want a better life.” If someone will break the law to enter a country illegally; I have no reason to believe they will obey other laws that are inconvenient for them to obey. For instance driving without a license, driving without insurance, and speeding which puts others in danger.
What country has ever made it so easy for people of good character and honorable intentions to self-deport; by providing airfare, a monitory bonus to help them get reestablished in their home country and high consideration for future acceptance as a potential citizen. Millions of migrants have already opted to do the right thing.
Illegal immigrates are treated with respect when they simply obey the laws and do what is right, to correct their previous disobedience. There is even a convenient website, dhs.gov, where they can find all the information, in multiple languages, on how to self-deport.
Why are they being encouraged to continue down the path of sin by a few ministers who are supposed to shepherd the flock? In Acts 2:38, Peter tells the people to repent and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of their sins. It is loving to remind people that there is love but no forgiveness until repentance.
Repentance means to go in the opposite direction, by turning from your sin, a full 180 degrees, away from sin and towards Jesus. It is a basic Biblical requirement for anyone to be saved.