The Christian Response to the Arizona Illegal Alien Law

Christians must look at everything, sacred or secular, through the prism of the Holy Bible, our rule for faith and practice. Since Jesus is Lord of all, it is all sacred. If the people of God don’t speak up on issues such as illegal immigration the godless will rule the day. All one has to do is to take a look around the world to see where that would lead us.

So then what about the Arizona law allowing law enforcement officers to ask for proof of citizenship of those who may be violating the law?

Two principles provide the framework for our response: Truth and grace, or the law and compassion. We want to be compassionate toward the alien as instructed in the Old Testament and confirmed in the New Testament. We want to provide them with every opportunity to share in the prosperity of our country, doing unto others as we would have them do unto us. Yet, we must uphold the integrity of our borders. This is also a Biblical mandate:

"Cursed is the one who moves his neighbors' landmark”. -- Deuteronomy 27:17.

Both principles must work in tandem to provide the best Christian response: We must have grace and compassion within the bounds of the law. There must be respect for the law. If we find a law disagreeable then we use the legal and political process to change it.

“Let every soul be subject to governing authorities. For there is no authority except from God, and the authorities that exist are appointed by God.” –Romans 13:1

Name-calling and accusing one another of evil intent does not advance the cause of anyone except those who are driven by ungodly forces. Christians must not return evil with evil.

So in short, the Christian ought to respond with compassion within the bounds of the law.