Question and Answer
Is there a biblical position about immigration?
In the Old Testament, Israel was instructed in Leviticus to treat the alien and strangers among them as natives, and to love them as themselves, since they were once foreigners in the land of Egypt (Ex. 22:21; 23:9). Indeed, the Lord instructed 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” (Lev. 19:34).
We can conclude from the instructions in the New Testament that we are to treat immigrants with compassion. We are to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matt. 5:43–44; Mark 12:31). And Jesus defines our neighbor not as someone who is like us but as someone who is unlike us (Luke 10:25–37). We are also instructed to care for vulnerable people in society such as widows and orphans (James 1:27).
Scripture doesn’t prescribe specific public policies, but it does instruct believers in how they should live out their faith in God in relationship to other people. Immigrants are no exception. Historically, Christians have led the way in trying to support refugees, provide educational opportunities, and advocate for just laws and treatment.
BY Mike Kellogg
Mike Kellogg worked with Moody Radio for more than 40 years, beginning in 1972. For many years he was the reader on Continued Story and began hosting Music Thru the Night in 1982. He also read the Today in the Word devotional for Moody Radio for many years. In July 2014, Mike retired from full-time radio. He is a graduate of Cedarville University, and has served as adjunct faculty in English and Speech Communications at Moody Bible Institute. He is married to Nancy, and they have 6 children and 16 grandchildren.