Unpack the debate surrounding Christians and deportation. Is supporting deportation unloving according to biblical principles?
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On social media I have seen where, by those in opposition to Trump’s deportation plan, MAGA Christians being ridiculed for supporting deportation. They claim deportation is not showing love towards your neighbor, “which is the greatest commandment of them all.” On the surface, it looks like the ridicule is justified, but is it actually true?
The Sojourner
“When a stranger sojourns with you in your land, you shall not do him wrong. You shall treat the stranger who sojourns with you as the native among you, and you shall love him as yourself, for you were strangers in the land of Egypt.”
Leviticus
19:33-34
Translation
Truthfully, “sojourn” here is the Hebrew word “gār“. In the King James Version, this word has been translated as “stranger” 87 times, alien 1 time, and sojourner 1 time. Sojourn here indeed means a temporary inhabitant, a newcomer lacking inherent rights.
The Argument
The argument here is that MAGA Christians are not showing love towards the migrants inhabiting our country by supporting mass deportations. The scope of the argument includes deporting entire families and/or separating families through these deportations.
The Reality
The reality to this specific argument is that the so-called sojourners are not attempting to temporarily inhabit our territory, but to become permanent citizens. Their intent is not to merely pass through, but to stay. We have laws that allows a process for a sojourner to stay, but these laws have been ignored by the sojourner and previous administration alike in several ways. Thus making the only difference between these so-called sojourners and a hostile invasion force is a lack of weaponry. However, there is an argument that purposeful economic depletion from neglectful stewardship and a disrespect of our laws and culture have become weapons against our nation and the safety of our citizenry.
The Response
The MAGA Christian response from the argument through translation with reality is that these are not sojourners but criminals trespassing illegally. The Bible tells us to be good stewards, and our nation’s laws encourage a healthy amount of sojourners and/or migrants intending on becoming citizens. MAGA Christians in general respect this practice, but holds no spiritual nor legal obligation to respect lawlessness.
The Bible addresses “lawlessness” as a serious moral and spiritual issue, often tying it to rebellion against God’s order, whether divine or human. The term pops up explicitly in some translations, especially in the New Testament, where the Greek word anomia (literally “without law”) is used to mean wickedness, sin, or rejection of God’s authority. According to the Bible, each nation has a leader, and there is no leader above God. Jesus is the King of kings and Lord of lords, whether they acknowledge so or not. Our nation is unique in the sense that our leaders are our representatives and the King is not the law, but that our Constitution is the law upon where each elected leader in our nation swears an oath upon to protect and defend, “So help me God.” Our elected leaders number one responsibility in their role is to protect and defend the law, order, and process in which our Constitution provides. One of the powers granted by the executive branch is to order deportations and/or arrest of those performing unlawful entry.
Lawlessness
“Don’t let anyone deceive you in any way, for that day will not come until the rebellion occurs and the man of lawlessness is revealed, the man doomed to destruction.”
2 Thessalonians
2:3
Translation
The word “lawlessness” here is the Greek word “anomia“, which means the condition of without law either because of ignorance to it or because of violating it; contempt and violation of law, iniquity, wickedness.
The Argument
Paul talks about the “man of lawlessness” (sometimes linked to the Antichrist), a figure who exalts himself above God, embodying ultimate rebellion. His rise signals the end times, and “the mystery of lawlessness” is already at work, suggesting a growing defiance.
The Reality
The reality is that Christians oppose the spirit of lawlessness by their very nature. The Bible addresses “lawlessness” as a serious moral and spiritual issue in several places, often tying it to rebellion against God’s order, whether divine or human. Lawlessness is sin and Christians are called to repent of their sins daily and to work toward rejecting it altogether. It is, therefore, Christ-like (aka Christian) to reject lawlessness and sin.
The Response
Generally, MAGA Christians believe the world is quickly approaching end times, when viewing current events through spiritual lens of scripture. It is generally accepted knowledge that playing with fire is unhealthy. Having a high regard for lawlessness in our society is not something MAGA Christians are willing to embrace, as it is so relevant that God identifies the antichrist himself as the man of lawlessness. Christians should not be on the fence about lawlessness, but on one side or the other. The Bible states God prefers us to be hot or cold, but not luke-warm. It is moral to be opposed to lawlessness. Therefore, when laws are just it is the Christian response to see lawfulness as being part of the divine order. To further cement the notion that these days of lawlessness are upon us, the Bible said in the end times good will be called evil and evil will be called good. Christians are not to be so friendly with the world that they should care more about what people think and say over standing for what God desires.
Romans 13:1-5:
Summary
While it is clear we should not view criminal trespassers as humble innocent sojourners, it is also very important we do not let our love wax cold for people. Certainly, if a Christian sees someone who is hungry, feed that person. You can still call ICE in accordance to the law of the land, but don’t be careless with someone’s immediate needs in life. The Bible is clear that the love of many will wax cold in end times, and you do not want to fail the test of whether you’re in the faith. Do not be deceived, “If we claim to have fellowship with him and yet walk in the darkness, we lie and do not live out the truth.” 1 John 1:6. The second greatest commandment is indeed to love your neighbor, but the first is to love the Lord thy God. Upon these 2 commandments, the Bible states these 2 commandments hang the entirety of the law and prophets. Show that love and do not snuff it out over something trivial as politics. Feed the hungry? Yes! Shelter the homeless? Yes! Seek justice against criminal trespassers? Yes! It’s not an either/or thing, it’s this AND that thing! If they’re hungry, serve a meal while waiting on law enforcement.
Keep in mind that although God opposes lawlessness and sin, Jesus also hated legalism. “You blind fools! Which is greater: the gold, or the temple that makes the gold sacred?” (Matthew 23:17) Don’t miss the point of His commandments when trying to keep them. God commanded a day of rest on the Sabbath, but yet Jesus healed on the day of rest and was persecuted by those obsessed with legalism. Why? They missed the point that the Sabbath was honoring God. There are people suffering on the day of rest, and if you help others on that day, you get the point of the command. There’s even a good samaritan law, where you’re legally required to provide first aid to someone, regardless of any other circumstantial situation.
For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’” Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for me.’
Matthew
25:35-40
Indeed we are to hate sin. However, Christ died for us while we were yet sinners. He loved us regardless of how bad we were. He still showed mercy. If at all possible, we are to show the same kind of love and mercy. Remember to love and honor God before anything. That means before our own political views, before anything we may be spiritually legalistic about, before our own feelings about any matter, and as a priority even above our Country and even the entire world. This world will pass away, but His Word will remain.
I hope this article was insightful and helpful. God bless you and God bless our country. Please follow us where we are at on social media here.
