Immigration! Refugees! We face such an ethical and emotional crisis. Wondering what to think? Wondering why so-called Christians want to bar certain refugees into this country? That is an especially good question considering that the Bible tells us to do otherwise. So, what does the Bible actually say? It is unambiguous in it’s message.

All people are made in God’s image (Genesis 1:27).

Humanity is the culmination of God’s creation design. Therefore, every single human being – including people from China, to the Middle East, to Mexico, and back, is made in the imago dei. This means the Syrian Refugees along with people from Iran, Iraq, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen are made in the image of God as well. No way around it.

“So God created man in His own image; in the image of God He created him; male and female He created them.”

We are to treat the “sojourners” among us as our native born (Leviticus 19:34).

“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.”

And again (Deuteronomy 10:19)

“And you are to love those who are foreigners, for you yourselves were foreigners in Egypt.”

We are to love others as we love ourselves (Mark 12:31).

Everyone loves this verse until they realize it includes their enemies, their rivals at work, irritating neighbors, people with differing political ideologies, and yes, refugees. Furthermore, except for Native Americans, we are all descendents of immigrants and refugees.

“The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[a] There is no commandment greater than these.”

When we treat refugees and other strangers well, it is as though we are providing loving care to Jesus. Matthew 25. It is okay to interpret this passage metaphorically. In fact, the words are much richer when viewed as metaphor. 

 “When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.’ 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?’ 40 And the King will answer them, ‘Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.’

What goes against these teachings?

• Building a wall on America’s border with Mexico.
• Allowing only Christians to immigrate
• Revoking visas
• Discriminating against anyone

I don’t think Tr– and others can prevail in their efforts to block refugees from entering. US ideals and the constitution are firmly embedded in religious equality and in encouraging refugees to seek safety here. The courts have acted swiftly. We will have more battles but the bigots cannot prevail against our constitution.