This journey into loving our immigrant neighbors wasn’t sparked by a headline or political event. It was prayerfully planned months ago, guided by the Spirit long before any ICE raid or national controversy. And yet, the timing reminds us—God often prepares His people in advance for what the world is just beginning to face.

Last week, we reflected on Leviticus 19:33–34, where God tells His people not to mistreat the foreigner but to treat them as native-born and love them as themselves. God’s people are called to be different. Not just to tolerate—but to love.

This week, we looked closely at the intersection of Scripture, economics, and immigration. In Psalm 146:7–9, we’re reminded that:

• The Lord upholds the cause of the oppressed
• He gives food to the hungry
• He lifts up those who are bowed down
• He watches over the foreigner

If God does these things—shouldn’t we?

Refugees and immigrants often arrive oppressed, hungry, and in need. Scripture calls us not only to see their pain, but to meet it. Deuteronomy 10:18 says that God “defends the cause of the fatherless and the widow, and loves the foreigner residing among you, giving them food and clothing.” To reflect God’s character means stepping into that same work—with open hearts and open hands.

It’s also wise. Economic data shows that immigrants are not a drain on society but a blessing to it. Deportation costs the U.S. government $17,000 per person, while keeping them can contribute $1 trillion in federal taxes and $7 trillion to the economy over ten years. Studies from the CBO, Tax Policy Center, and World Relief all agree: immigrants pay more in taxes than they receive in benefits.

And they don’t just take jobs—they create them. Over 1 in 5 Fortune 500 companies were founded by immigrants or their children. Google, Amazon, Tesla, and DoorDash are just a few.

In Nebraska, and across the country, there are more jobs than workers. Our population isn’t replacing itself, and the workforce shortage is growing. Immigration isn’t a threat—it’s a solution.

We had a fascinating conversation about this on the unCOMFORTABLE Podcast with Brian Slone, President of the Nebraska Chamber of Commerce. He explained why Nebraska’s future depends on immigrant labor, and how workforce shortages are one of our state’s greatest economic challenges. You can listen to that episode here and hear firsthand why this issue matters to business leaders and believers alike.

But far beyond the numbers lies the deeper call: to live like Jesus.

In Matthew 25, Jesus says:

“I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was a stranger and you invited me in… whatever you did for the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.”

The hungry stranger. The weary traveler. The refugee fleeing war. Jesus says, that’s me.

So the question becomes:
How would you treat Jesus if He crossed your path today—hungry, tired, and needing a home?

This isn’t just a matter of policy or economics. It’s a matter of discipleship.
A matter of compassion.
A matter of obedience.
And maybe, a moment for confession.

A Corporate Confession:

• Heavenly Father, we confess that we have sinned against you in thought, word, and deed.
• We have been selfish with our resources.
• We have ignored the stranger when we should have welcomed them.
• We have turned a blind eye to trafficking and injustice.
• We have allowed fear to silence compassion.
• We ask for your help to change—as individuals, as a church, and as a nation.
• Give us grace, Lord. In the name of Jesus—our Savior, Sanctifier, Healer, and Coming King. Amen.

The Good News:
When we confess, God forgives. His grace is deeper than our failure. His heart is wide enough for every nation, tribe, and tongue.

Let’s keep growing. Let’s keep listening. Let’s keep loving like Jesus.

Resources to Explore:

• Book: Welcoming the Stranger by Matthew Soerens & Jenny Yang
• Podcast: Immigration This Week
• Informational Site: Bipartisan Policy Center

Let justice roll on like a river.
Let mercy flow through our lives.
Let love—not fear—lead the way.

Message recap adapted from June 15, 2025, message by Minister Mark Ashton