Love the Stranger

How do we practice compassion and keep the immigration law?

Additional reading and discussion questions

Background

When did the issue of illegal immigration first make it onto your “radar”? Tell the group your story.

How does this issue affect your church as a whole and members of your church in particular?

Scripture

How do the following passages speak to the issue of illegal immigration in the United States, and where does each fall short in addressing all of our concerns and questions?

Leviticus 19:33,34

Isaiah 58

John 8:1-11

Romans 13

Philemon

Interacting with the article

Discuss what the author meant by this statement: “No, we don’t have to choose between the law and compassion. We need to exercise both. Sometimes, the only difference between them is a little bit of patience.”

Research the proposals for comprehensive immigration reform that appeared before Congress in 2006, including “Evangelical Leaders Call for Comprehensive Immigration Reform,” signed by several EFCA leaders (contact World Relief for a copy: immigration@wr.org). Where do you agree/disagree with them biblically?

What pertinence does the national debate on this topic have to other areas of your faith, of your church’s ministry?

Further consideration of the topic

As a team, watch one of the movies or read one of the books from our list of resources, and continue your discussion.