Oh, here we go again — another round of “Jesus would never…” You’ve heard it: “Jesus would never support deportation! Jesus was all about love! If He were here today, He’d be standing at the border with a welcome sign and free Wi-Fi!”
Really? Are we sure we’re talking about the same Jesus?
The Jesus who said “love your neighbor” also told people to obey God’s commands. The same Jesus who showed mercy to the woman caught in adultery also told her “go and sin no more” — He didn’t say, “Your choices don’t matter.”
Let’s be clear:
Jesus didn’t come to write immigration policy.
He came to save souls — to redeem the lost, heal the broken, and confront sin with grace and truth. His words about compassion, mercy, and love were directed at you and me — individuals — about how we treat the people in front of us.
But here’s what Jesus never said:
“Ignore the law whenever it feels harsh.”
“Let anarchy reign because compassion feels better than responsibility.”
“Render to Caesar… unless you disagree with his immigration policy.”
Romans 13 lays it out without much wiggle room: Government exists to enforce laws, maintain order, and keep society from falling into chaos. It is not the job of government to just “feel nice” — it is their God-given role to govern.
And before you get mad, listen carefully:
When a government detains someone, they should provide food, shelter, medical care, dignity, and basic humanity. Now, is the government actually doing that? I would assume they are — but here’s the reality: unless you’ve personally visited a detention facility, stop acting like you know. Stop forming your entire worldview based on news “reports” and soundbites from politicians — because newsflash: both sides lie to gain your attention, your votes, and your outrage. You simply don’t know unless you’ve seen it firsthand.
But here’s what we do know:
Removal itself is not cruelty — it’s the lawful consequence of violating a country’s border laws.
And here’s something to think about: every nation enforces borders. Even heaven has a border! Jesus said in John 10:9 that “I am the door. If anyone enters by me, he will be saved.” You don’t just stroll into eternity because you feel like it — there’s one way in, and it’s through Him. Exclusive entry requirement. Imagine that!
So let’s stop playing this silly cultural game of pretending law enforcement is automatically “un-Christlike” or that compassion means chaos. Compassion doesn’t require open borders, and love doesn’t mean lawlessness.
As believers, we’re called to treat every person — immigrant or citizen, legal or illegal — with dignity, kindness, and respect when they cross our path.
That doesn’t mean we endorse their choices or enable their situation, but it does mean we reflect Christ in how we speak, act, and minister.
At the same time, the government is called to uphold the law. That’s their God-given role — to enforce, protect, and maintain order — not to mimic the church or redefine compassion as borderless policy.
Both can and should happen at the same time:
- We love people regardless of their status.
- We recognize that a nation has a right and responsibility to govern its borders.
Look — your discontent with national immigration policy won’t be the question God asks when your time on this earth is over. What will matter is what you did with your life, how you treated others, and — most importantly — what you did with His Son.
So yes, love people. Show kindness. Be generous. Preach the gospel.
But don’t confuse your emotional opinions about politics with God’s eternal truth.
Because at the end of the day:
Jesus isn’t anti-border… He’s pro-truth. And the truth is: laws matter. Obey them. Love others anyway. And stop dragging Jesus into your political debates to justify what just feels good.