When a man named Andre asked, “Pastor, should I go back?” it stopped me in my tracks.

Andre had come to faith in Jesus. He read Romans 13 about submitting to governing authorities. He spoke great English, had built a career as a graphic designer, and his children—U.S. citizens—only spoke English. But technically, he was undocumented.

Obeying Romans 13 would mean leaving the country. That would lead to deep poverty for his family, a severe disruption to his kids’ education, and—because of the complex legal process—between 7 and 24 years before he could return. Andre wasn’t hiding. He was praying.

And I found myself saying, “Wow… that’s complicated.”

This issue is deeply emotional and politically charged. But for Christians, the deeper question is not what the media or politicians say. It's: How do we think biblically about our immigrant neighbors—especially when their legal status is unclear?

What Does the Bible Say About Following the Law?

Let’s start with Romans 13. It’s one of the clearest passages on respecting government authority:

“Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established…” (Romans 13:1-5)

Government, flawed as it is, is a God-given gift—alongside marriage and the Church. It brings order out of chaos. And yes, when people cross borders to harm, traffic drugs, or commit crimes, they must be held accountable. This is part of respecting law, order, and the God-ordained role of governing officials.

In fact, recent riots in Los Angeles alone caused $30 billion in damage. We need law enforcement officers, ICE agents, judges, and military personnel who act with integrity and courage. They deserve our gratitude and prayers.

Illegal immigration is against the law. For Christians, this can’t be ignored. We shouldn’t encourage anyone to disobey the law. And yet…

What About Justice and Mercy?

The Bible doesn’t stop at Romans 13. It also tells us to pursue justice and show compassion—especially toward the vulnerable.

“Do what is just and right… Do no wrong or violence to the foreigner, the fatherless or the widow.”(Jeremiah 22:3)

“Show mercy and compassion to one another… Do not oppress the foreigner or the poor.” (Zechariah 7:9-10)

God’s justice includes standing against systems or policies that harm the vulnerable.

For example, under the Biden Administration, over 4 million people were smuggled across the border, many by human traffickers known as "Coyotes." Estimates suggest 250,000 were trafficked into sex slavery. That’s not just a policy failure—it’s a moral outrage. It violates the image of God in every person.

Meanwhile, the Trump Administration is attempting to end the CHNV program, which had offered safe, temporary refuge for people fleeing chaos in Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua, and Venezuela. These individuals came legally under U.S. invitation. Now over 530,000 people face forced return to dangerous conditions. That’s not keeping our word—and it fails the test of justice and mercy.

Navigating the Tension: Obey the Law and Show Compassion

This isn’t easy. The tension between Romans 13 and Jeremiah 22 is real. Wise, godly people will disagree. That’s why this calls for prayerful wisdom, not partisan yelling matches.

We often hear extreme options—deport everyone or open all borders. But most of us live somewhere in the messy middle. And there’s a reason it’s messy.

Immigration involves dozens of factors:

• How long has someone lived here?
• Were they brought as a child?
• Were they trafficked?
• Do they have vital job skills or family ties?
• Is their homeland dangerous?
• Have they committed crimes?

And in response, there are a range of positions Christians take:

Stay if…

• …they have been here over 10 years
• …they have no criminal record
• …they have a community sponsor
• …they were brought as children
• …they are fleeing war or persecution
• …they pay a financial penalty (as with civil law)

Rather than lobbing bombs at the “other side,” we should humbly admit this is difficult. And we should be willing to wrestle—with Scripture, with stories, and with our own assumptions.

What Is Clear? Love Your Immigrant Neighbor.

Here’s what’s not complicated: our calling to love.

We don’t need to investigate someone’s visa to obey Jesus. We’re not ICE agents—we’re ambassadors of Christ. Our job is to welcome people into God’s family.

“Inasmuch as you did it to the least of these, you did it to me.” (Matthew 25:40)

Jesus himself was a refugee. As a baby, his family fled Herod and sought asylum in Egypt. What if your new neighbor was Mary, Joseph, and the Son of God?

Would you cook them dinner? Offer a ride? Help with paperwork? You bet you would.

So let’s remember—every act of kindness toward the foreigner is a chance to love Jesus directly.

Practical Steps Forward

At our church, we’ve responded in a few key ways:

• ESL programs and language-specific churches
• Refugee outreach teams building real friendships
• Live Translations, now offering sermons in over 20 languages
• A new Immigrant Assistance Fund, helping families afford legal fees and overcome impossible costs

And the most powerful way you can love your neighbor? Friendship. A shared meal. A ride to the DMV. Help filling out a form. Listening well. Being curious.

Final Word: Live in the Tension

We may not all agree on policy. That’s okay. Let’s wrestle together in humility.

But let’s be clear about our personal response: love your immigrant neighbor.

Vote with wisdom. Pray for justice. And remember that our highest citizenship is not American or otherwise—it is in heaven. And heaven’s ethic is love.

Want to learn more?

Check out the unCOMFORTABLE Podcast episode with Brian Sloan, where we explore these tensions and learn from one another’s stories.

And consider this:

What if Jesus has already moved in next door?
How will you welcome him?

Message recap adapted from June 22, 2025, message by Minister Mark Ashton