Immigration is a difficult and emotional topic for many people. It is true that laws matter, and as a society, we should respect and uphold the laws of the land. Order and accountability are important. But as people of faith, we are also called to remember mercy.
There are immigrants living among us who have worked hard, raised families, paid their way, helped their communities, and have no criminal record. While the law should not be ignored, we should also ask: how can justice be carried out with compassion?
The Bible gives us a timeless and profound reminder: mercy matters to God. James 2:13 says, “Mercy triumphs over judgment.” Matthew 5:7 says, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy.” These scriptures remind us that the mercy we have received from God should shape the mercy we show to others.
God has been patient with us. He has forgiven us. He has given us grace when we did not deserve it. Because of that, we should be careful not to treat people only through the lens of punishment, fear, or politics. We should see them as human beings made in the image of God.
Scripture also teaches us to care about the foreigner and the stranger. Leviticus 19:34 says to love the foreigner as yourself. Exodus 22:21 warns against mistreating or oppressing the foreigner. These verses do not erase the need for laws, but they do remind us that laws should never cause us to lose our compassion.
We can believe in secure borders and still believe in mercy. We can support the rule of law and still ask for humane solutions. We can want fairness and still remember that every person has a story, a family, and a God-given dignity.
As followers of Christ, our response should not be hardness of heart. It should be wisdom, justice, and mercy together. Micah 6:8 reminds us to “act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” That is the balance we need: uphold what is right, but do it with a heart that reflects the mercy of God.
May we never forget that God showed mercy to us. And because He did, we should be willing to show mercy to others.
Minister A Francine Green I July 2026