In the current debate over immigration and border security, some argue for open borders by quoting Jesus’ teachings on love, generosity, and welcoming the stranger. While these teachings indeed call for compassion and mercy, they are often removed from their original context, leading to misunderstandings. Jesus emphasized personal responsibility and loving one’s neighbor, but He never advocated for actions that enable lawlessness, endanger communities, or undermine justice. Using His words to justify open borders is a misapplication of His message. Let’s explore how Jesus’ teachings fit within a broader biblical understanding of both love and the need for order, security, and righteous governance.
While the Bible supports compassion for strangers and helping those in need, it also emphasizes the importance of justice, order, and protection. The United States has long been a nation that welcomes immigrants, offering opportunities for those seeking a better life. However, this generosity must be balanced with responsibility.
Just as the Bible highlights the need for walls to protect Jerusalem, modern nations are also tasked with ensuring the safety and security of their citizens. This is why vetting processes for immigrants and refugees are essential. Proper vetting ensures that those who enter the country are not a threat to others and that they contribute positively to society. By welcoming individuals who are properly vetted, the U.S. can maintain both its spirit of generosity and its commitment to the safety and well-being of its people.
Turn the Other Cheek (Matthew 5:39)
Jesus' Teaching: “If anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to them the other also.” This instruction calls for non-retaliation when personally insulted or wronged. It’s a challenge to reject revenge and embrace forgiveness, even when treated unfairly.
Context and Application: In Jesus’ time, a slap on the cheek was a symbolic insult rather than a physical attack meant to cause serious harm. Jesus was teaching His followers to respond with grace in the face of minor offenses, pointing to the higher calling of love.
Does It Apply to Open Borders?: No. While this teaching encourages humility in personal matters, it does not mean allowing society to be overrun by lawlessness or danger. “Turning the other cheek” was never intended to apply to situations that would jeopardize the safety or well-being of others. Governments have a responsibility to protect their citizens and enforce laws to maintain order. Allowing unrestricted entry into a nation can lead to chaos, something Jesus did not promote through this teaching.
Go the Extra Mile (Matthew 5:41)
Jesus' Teaching: “If anyone forces you to go one mile, go with them two miles.” Jesus was speaking to a people under Roman occupation, where Roman soldiers could compel civilians to carry their burdens for a mile. His instruction was to meet such demands with grace, going beyond what was required to show love and patience.
Context and Application: This teaching applies to personal conduct, especially in situations of injustice where one might be treated unfairly. Jesus was not advocating that people support wrongdoing or enable abusive behavior, but instead urging believers to demonstrate love even in challenging circumstances.
Does It Apply to Open Borders?: No. This teaching is about personal generosity in unfair situations, not about public policy or national security. The principle of going the extra mile does not mean enabling lawlessness or placing a nation’s security at risk. While we are called to be generous, wisdom is also required when dealing with complex issues like immigration, where both compassion and protection must be balanced.
Give to the One Who Asks (Matthew 5:42)
Jesus' Teaching: “Give to the one who asks you, and do not turn away from the one who wants to borrow from you.” Jesus encourages His followers to be generous, reflecting the character of God, who provides freely for all.
Context and Application: This teaching focuses on personal generosity, particularly toward those in genuine need. Jesus was urging believers to avoid a legalistic or selfish attitude and to help others willingly.
Does It Apply to Open Borders?: No. While Jesus calls us to give generously, this teaching does not suggest we should abandon responsibility or caution when it comes to national borders. A government’s role is to steward resources and protect its people, ensuring that aid is given wisely. While personal charity is a Christian virtue, advocating for open borders without regard for safety or the rule of law would be irresponsible and potentially harmful.
Love Your Enemies (Matthew 5:44)
Jesus' Teaching: “But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Jesus called His followers to a radical love that included showing kindness and grace even to those who opposed or mistreated them.
Context and Application: Jesus was addressing personal relationships, calling for love and forgiveness toward those who wrong us. This love seeks the ultimate good for the enemy, which includes praying for their redemption and transformation.
Does It Apply to Open Borders?: No. Loving your enemies does not mean allowing them to harm you or others. Jesus’ call to love is about personal forgiveness and kindness, not about abandoning justice or allowing lawlessness to prevail. A nation can love others while still enforcing its borders and maintaining security. Love must be balanced with justice, and protecting innocent lives from potential harm is an act of love in itself.
Do Not Resist an Evil Person (Matthew 5:39)
Jesus' Teaching: “Do not resist an evil person.” This teaching urges believers to avoid personal revenge and to trust God’s justice instead of seeking to repay evil with evil.
Context and Application: Jesus was calling His followers to refrain from personal retaliation when wronged. It’s a reminder that vengeance belongs to God and that we should not be overcome by evil but respond with love and patience.
Does It Apply to Open Borders?: No. While Jesus instructed His followers not to seek personal revenge, this teaching does not mean that societies should tolerate or enable evil. Governing authorities are given the responsibility to punish wrongdoing and protect citizens (Romans 13:4). Allowing uncontrolled entry into a nation without regard for security or justice is not in line with biblical teaching. Resisting evil in a societal sense, such as protecting borders, is part of the government’s God-given duty.
Biblical Example: The Wall Around Jerusalem
Throughout the Bible, walls around cities, especially Jerusalem, were seen as necessary for protection and order. In the book of Nehemiah, the rebuilding of Jerusalem’s walls was a divinely inspired project. After returning from exile, Nehemiah led the Israelites in rebuilding the city’s wall, not only to restore their dignity but also to protect the city from enemy invasion.
- Nehemiah 4:6-7: "So we rebuilt the wall till all of it reached half its height, for the people worked with all their heart. But when Sanballat, Tobiah, the Arabs, the Ammonites and the people of Ashdod heard that the repairs to Jerusalem’s walls had gone ahead and that the gaps were being closed, they were very angry."
The walls around Jerusalem served a practical and protective function. They kept out enemies who sought to destroy the city and allowed the people to live in safety. Importantly, the rebuilding of the wall was done with God’s blessing and guidance, showing that securing borders is not opposed to biblical values.
Does This Support Open Borders?: No. Just as the wall around Jerusalem was necessary for the safety of its people, modern nations also have a responsibility to protect their citizens. The Bible affirms that borders and boundaries are not inherently unjust; they are a means of maintaining security, justice, and peace. Jesus’ teachings on love and generosity do not negate the need for wise governance and the protection of innocent lives.
Conclusion: Compassion and Justice Must Work Together
While Jesus calls for love, mercy, and generosity, these teachings must be understood in their proper context. They are intended to guide personal behavior and relationships, not public policy in a way that would endanger the wellbeing of others. Jesus never suggested that governments should abandon their responsibility to protect their people or ignore the importance of law and order.
The Bible provides a balanced view: we are called to love our neighbors, help those in need, and welcome the stranger—but always with wisdom and justice. The example of the wall around Jerusalem shows that borders and protections are a necessary part of a well-ordered society. A nation can maintain security while still exercising compassion, and this balance is critical in applying biblical principles to modern challenges like immigration. Those who use Jesus’ words to argue for open borders are missing the larger biblical context, which emphasizes both mercy and justice.
Executive Orders Opening the Border by Biden and Kamala
Here are some of the major executive orders and actions related to immigration and border security that were implemented by the Biden/Harris administration shortly in January 2021:
Termination of the Border Wall Construction
- Executive Order: On his first day in office, Biden signed an order to stop the construction of the U.S.-Mexico border wall that had been prioritized under the Trump administration. He redirected the funds allocated for wall construction to other priorities.
- Purpose: To halt the continuation of the physical barrier along the southern border.
Ending the "Remain in Mexico" Policy (Migrant Protection Protocols)
- Executive Action: Biden suspended the Migrant Protection Protocols (MPP), commonly known as the "Remain in Mexico" policy, which required asylum seekers to stay in Mexico while their cases were processed in the U.S.
- Purpose: To reverse Trump-era policies on asylum seekers and provide them with the opportunity to wait inside the U.S. while their claims were processed.
Preserving and Fortifying DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals)
- Executive Order: Biden signed an order to preserve and strengthen DACA, which provides protection from deportation for individuals brought to the U.S. as children (Dreamers).
- Purpose: To safeguard the status of DACA recipients and allow them to continue living and working in the U.S. without the threat of deportation.
Reversing the Travel Ban
- Executive Order: Biden immediately rescinded the "Muslim travel ban", which had restricted travel and immigration from several predominantly Muslim countries.
- Purpose: To reopen immigration channels from these countries and promote inclusivity in U.S. immigration policy.
Restoring Asylum Protections
- Executive Action: Biden signed orders to restore asylum protections, reversing Trump-era regulations that made it harder for individuals to apply for asylum in the U.S.
- Purpose: To restore the asylum system and make it easier for migrants to seek refuge in the U.S.
Reversing the Public Charge Rule
- Executive Action: Biden moved to end the public charge rule, a policy that denied green cards to immigrants who were likely to use public benefits like Medicaid or food stamps.
- Purpose: To prevent discrimination based on the financial status of immigrants and ensure fair treatment in the immigration system.
Rescinding the "National Emergency" at the Southern Border
- Executive Action: Biden revoked Trump’s declaration of a national emergency at the U.S.-Mexico border, which had been used to justify the diversion of funds for border wall construction.
- Purpose: To end the use of emergency powers for border wall construction and shift focus toward other immigration policies.
Are you Voting?
Did you know 32 million Christians that go to church every week are not planning to vote? Share this post with them. Polls sated 32 million that regularly attend church remain disengaged from a process that could dramatically impact our nation’s future. This election isn't just about policies; it’s about restoring values and leading our nation back to biblical truth.
