Question: Dear Dr. Roane, what do you think about
offering churches or cities as sanctuary cities or places of refuge for the illegal
aliens flooding our country?
Answer: It's Biblical,
like it or not. More specifically according to these verses, and more:
Leviticus 19:34
But the stranger
that dwelleth with you shall be unto you as one born among you, and thou shalt
love him as thyself; for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the LORD
your God.
Exodus 23:9
Also thou shalt
not oppress a stranger: for ye know the heart of a stranger, seeing ye were
strangers in the land of Egypt.
Deuteronomy
10:18,19
He doth execute
the judgment of the fatherless and widow, and loveth the stranger, in giving
him food and raiment.
See also: Numbers 35:11-12;
Exodus 22:21; Deuteronomy 24:14.
So, the principle is certainly
established in the text as well as the admonition that we should love our neighbor
as ourselves. In this regard, we are to love them as Jesus does. They are
precious souls for whom He gave His life as well as for ours.
Now, as far as government policy
is, and how this is instituted, is beyond my scope of comprehension, except to
say that it must be done lovingly. A loving response would not rule out helping
them to improve their living conditions in their country of origin as long as
it is reasonably safe and practical. In no way, however, should children be
separated from their parents, especially their mothers and left destitute and
without hope.
This does not mean, however, that
we should allow jihadists, drug dealers, or felonious criminals enter to work
havoc in our country. These kinds must be vetted out of the system.
Remember, that “the wisdom that
comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate,
submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere (James 3:17).”
So, in essence, since what you are asking for is wisdom in a situation like this,
keep this verse fully in focus.
Trust this helps,
JimR_/
