AIMing Beyond Borders: Transported in Tukwila

AIMing Beyond Borders: Transported in Tukwila

My daughter and I went to Southcenter mall the other day, to Nordstrom’s specifically. After shopping in that quiet, elegant store we decided to get something to drink in the food court. Stepping off the escalator I experienced mild culture shock. It was crowded and noisy.  Women hustled past with burqas flowing, there were bearded men with turbans intensely conversing over coffee, youngsters of all skin colors clustered in groups dressed in punk attire (or little clothing at all!), Latino music boomed from somewhere, and large families deciding where to sit and what to eat babbled in foreign languages. The nations of the world swirled around me in delightful color and cacophony of sound. We sat sipping our drinks marveling at the world we just entered questioning if we had been mysteriously transported to someplace else. Were we really only in Tukwila?

 There is talk about the diaspora in our neighborhoods and the opportunities we have to befriend the foreigner.  Sometimes the controversial issues of immigration stop us from reaching out.  Fear of stepping into a foreign culture makes us hesitate, as well as being unsure of how to do it.  All of these concerns came to mind as I sat in that food court.

Over the weeks subsequent to that experience, I felt the need to seek wisdom on the subject of immigration.  Most of the people in the food court were not American born people. I began a journey of searching scripture for answers to the deeply divisive topic of immigration. Surprisingly, I found scripture has a lot to say on the subject. 

Two articles in particular gave me a clear and balanced overview of scripture. Should you be interested in further investigation, Christianity Today’s article is comprehensive and Biblically based. The following is part of a blog by Stephen Davey, President of Wisdom International.

The issue of immigration is a complex and often contentious topic in contemporary society. It stirs up a myriad of emotions, opinions, and policies. As Christians seeking to understand and respond to this dilemma, it's crucial to turn to the Bible for guidance. While the Bible doesn’t provide direct policy prescriptions for this political challenge, it offers timeless principles that can shape our understanding and response to the immigration issue.

I want to preface my comments by acknowledging that the Bible recognizes the concept of national borders and the sovereignty of nations. In Acts 17:26 we read: "And he made from one man every nation of mankind to live on all the face of the earth, having determined allotted periods and the boundaries of their dwelling place." This suggests that the existence of distinct nations and borders is determined by God. The Old Testament has many references to the boundaries of the nations of Israel and its neighbors. So, I believe that each nation has the right to defend its borders and to set policies for immigration. That said, here are some principles that should inform an immigration policy.  

The Image of God in Every Person:

The Bible begins with the fundamental truth that every person is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). This foundational concept instills the intrinsic value, dignity, and worth of every individual, regardless of their nationality, ethnicity, or legal status. In the context of immigration, this means viewing and treating immigrants as bearers of God's image. Immigration policies that are based on prejudice must be viewed as wrong.

The Command to Love Neighbors and Strangers:

Leviticus 19:34 commands, "You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt: I am the Lord your God." This passage, alongside Jesus’ teaching to love our neighbors as ourselves (Matthew 22:39), underscores the importance of extending love, kindness, and hospitality to immigrants and foreigners.

The Law and Justice:

While the Bible emphasizes compassion and love for the stranger, it also acknowledges the importance of law and order. Romans 13:1-7 discusses the role of governing authorities in maintaining order and enforcing laws. This suggests that while Christians are called to show compassion to immigrants, there is also a place for lawful processes and regulations. Those who seek to immigrate to another country should do so lawfully.

Social Justice and Advocacy:

Prophets in the Old Testament, such as Isaiah and Jeremiah, frequently called for justice in society, including fair treatment of the vulnerable and marginalized (Isaiah 1:17; Jeremiah 22:3). This can be applied to advocating for just and humane treatment of immigrants, especially those who are fleeing danger and persecution.

Conclusion:

While the Bible doesn't offer specific policy directives on modern immigration issues, it does provide guiding principles that emphasize the dignity of every person, the importance of compassion and justice, and the respect for law and order. As Christians navigate the immigration dilemma, they are called to balance these principles, showing love and hospitality to the stranger while also respecting and adhering to lawful processes. Ultimately, the Christian response to immigration should reflect the character of Jesus, who embodied love, justice, and mercy in all His interactions.

As I continue refining my response to the politicized and contentious immigration issue, I am also considering ways, the how-to, of stepping into other cultures. We have opportunities to bring God’s love and hope to the nations living in our own back yard!  

Submitted by Joy Casey

Missions Strategy Team