THE GOLDEN DOOR--A NATION LOOKS AT IMMIGRATION

THE GOLDEN DOOR--A NATION LOOKS AT IMMIGRATION

There are those who consider issues for their short-term impact, to the exclusion of clear evidence showing multiple long-term benefits. This is perhaps nowhere more evident than in the ongoing debate on immigration. This is a nation of immigrants--read the inscription on the Statue of Liberty. Since this is the case, and we are beneficiaries of the results of this open-armed policy throughout the history of America, we should be students of history, and continue to welcome strangers to our shore. There is biblical support for this position: Exodus 22:21 "Do not mistreat an alien or oppress him, for you were aliens in Egypt." Exodus 23:9 "Do not oppress an alien; you yourselves know how it feels to be aliens, because you were aliens in Egypt." Leviticus 19:33-34 "When an alien lives with you in your land, do not mistreat him. The alien living with you must be treated as one of your native-born. Love him as yourself, for you were aliens in Egypt. I am the Lord your God." Hebrews 13:2 "Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it." I Peter 1:1 "To God's elect, strangers in the world..." III John 5-8: "Dear friend, you are faithful in what you are doing for the brothers, even though they are strangers to you. They have told the church about your love. You will do well to send them on their way in a manner worthy of God. It was for the sake of the Name that they went out, receiving no help from the pagans. We ought therefore to show hospitality to such men so that we may work together for the truth." In these and many other examples, we see God's heart towards strangers and aliens. God often refers to Christians as strangers and aliens. Should not Christians, of all people most blessed, take care to help and befriend other strangers? God supports immigration! Economically, our country has benefited greatly from immigration. This is so, because God always honors those who respect those who are made in His image and are willing to share with others who are less fortunate. Those who say that this country doesn't have the resources to support immigration are limiting God's power. If God was able to feed a vast multitude in the wilderness for forty years by supplying them with the bread of Heaven, (manna=angel's food), and by bringing water out of a rock, and by not allowing their sandals to wear out, how much more able He is to supply all the needs of immigration. It is more likely that anti-immigration legislation is composed by protectionists seeking to promote their own selfish interests than by patriots trying to protect their nation. Even in this, they are misguided, because immigrants prove their willingness to participate physically in nation-building through their efforts on our behalf. Those who criticize the poor and help to perpetuate their misery by limiting their abilities to progress and be successful are limiting the ability of our country to progress and be successful. God is generous. Satan is selfish. WHOSE SIDE ARE YOU ON?

MARK OVERT SKILBRED