02/01/2017
Immigration Ban: God is Love and I Choose Love
I’m sure many of you have seen the videos circulating of American citizens not being allowed back into the country, right? The other day I got into a debate on Facebook (not like me at all but I felt like I had to defend my point) about the ban on immigrants not letting US citizens come back into their home country because of the religion they practice. We had completely opposing views. I quoted a bible verse on Facebook. Leviticus 19:33-34:
“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.” – Leviticus 19:33-34
The people who have immigrated to the United States from war-stricken countries have risked EVERYTHING to come here and it’s not an easy process. For those of you who follow my blog know I’m a Christian and I’m passionate about doing anything we can to alleviate the circumstances Syrian, Iraqi, Afghan and other children are living in. I had to make a point so that my exact stance was understood.
(Note: This is post is specifically about American citizens who have been banned entrance back into the United States. This post is not about the refugees but if you’d like to know my stance on that, click here OR here!)
Argument numero uno was that as Christians we need to defend our land because the bible speaks of staying within your boundaries. The majority of American citizens, except for Native Americans, are immigrants. The bible can be interpreted in different ways, I understand this. This person quoted Acts 17:26 and interpreted it to “if you’re not from America then you don’t belong here because we are appointed boundaries to stay in and protect.”
“From one man he made all the nations, that they should inhabit the whole earth; and he marked out their appointed times in history and the boundaries of their lands.” – Acts 17:26
Please realize something…if I’m being frank the majority of us weren’t inhabitants of America so with that logic none of us belong here. People migrated to find new land, therefore, leaving their boundaries. That would mean our true boundaries are where our ancestors are from.
This verse is about God being the all-knowing history maker and appointing times (years) and the places (not one place) where people will reside. As people, we are inhabitants of the whole earth and God is in control of our fate on this earth.
The Bible tells us God is love and to be closer to God then you have to show love..towards enemies, neighbors, family, and friends. Looking at others as “lesser or bad” is not what we should be exemplifying as Christians.
“Beloved, let us love one another, for love is from God, and whoever loves has been born of God and knows God. Whoever does not love does not know God, because God is love.” 1 John 4:7-8
My God died for everyone and all of their sins, no matter who they were and where they came from. Our mission as Christians is to lead by example and challenge ourselves to be more like Him more and more every day.
“‘It is no longer because of what you said that we believe, for we have heard for ourselves and know that this One is indeed the Savior of the world.‘” – John 4:42
(That includes every country…)
“But God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” – Romans 5:8
I read a book about an American girl who was Muslim, Rifqa Barry (Hiding in the Light). She grew up in a very traditional and devout Muslim household. Her friend kind-heartedly invited her to a church bible study she said, “yes.” God was calling her to a life of freedom and love. She hid her Christian faith from her family for 4 years and when they found out her father was told to end her life. She ran away and found refuge in a Christians’ family home where they showed her love and what this freeing religion has to offer.
I wish as Christians we can all demonstrate the love that helped and pulled people like Rifqa, a once Muslim girl, to step into the His light. I understand that times are tough for Christians but my bible tells me to:
“Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.” – Romans 12:10
Instead of idolizing America, our sight should be set on the bigger picture and what we need to do as Christians to be able to walk into the kingdom of Heaven. I agree there need to be laws in place to prevent the “bad guys” from coming in but the way it’s being done and the way people are being treated because of their faith is not Christian.
I don’t write this because I’m Republican.
I don’t write this because I’m Democratic.
I don’t write this because I’m a minority or a woman.
I write this because I’m a Christian and I choose to Love. Always.
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