From Genesis to Revelation, Scripture reveals God’s deep concern for the vulnerable, the marginalized, and the sojourner—those who live temporarily in a place not their own, often seeking safety, refuge, or belonging. Leviticus 19:34 makes it plain: “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: I am the Lord your God.”
This call to love the stranger isn’t optional. It’s woven throughout the Bible. The Lord commands His people to act justly, love kindness, and walk humbly with Him (Micah 6:8). He declares through the psalmist, “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” (Psalm 82:3 NIV). Deuteronomy 10:18-19 describes God as the defender of the sojourner, calling His people to do the same: “He executes justice for the fatherless and the widow, and loves the sojourner, giving him food and clothing. Love the sojourner, therefore, for you were sojourners in the land of Egypt.”
This isn’t just about others—it’s about how we reflect the God who welcomed us when we were lost and in need of grace.
Jesus makes it even clearer. In Matthew 25:35, He says, “I was a stranger, and you welcomed me.” To welcome the stranger is to welcome Christ Himself. The Apostle Paul reminds us in Galatians 3:28 that in Christ, barriers of nationality, status, and gender don’t define our worth. “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” The Kingdom of God is described in Revelation 7:9 as a gathering of people from every nation, tribe, people, and language—each one welcomed and valued. As bearers of God’s image (Genesis 1:27), every person carries inherent dignity and worth, regardless of their legal status.
Because of these truths, I am committed to walking alongside every person in need, listening to their stories, and offering the love and support of Christ. A person’s worth isn’t determined by their circumstances or legal status—it’s defined by God’s love.
Justice for the vulnerable and marginalized isn’t separate from revival—it is revival. Just as the Spirit was poured out on all flesh at Pentecost, transcending national, cultural, and linguistic boundaries (Acts 2:17), I believe that God’s Kingdom welcomes every tribe, tongue, and nation. Pursuing justice isn’t just activism—it’s an expectation of the gospel. And when we align ourselves with God’s heart for justice, we can expect miraculous intervention, restoration, and healing.
That’s why I can’t stay silent about the growing threats against undocumented individuals, including the potential for raids targeting places of worship. These actions contradict the biblical mandate to love our neighbors as ourselves (Mark 12:31) and to care for the oppressed (Isaiah 1:17). They also violate the command in Proverbs 31:8-9 to “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.”
So, I stand resolute in my commitment:
- To resist actions that seek to harm or target individuals based solely on their immigration status. (Exodus 22:21)
- To protect the dignity and privacy of all who seek sanctuary, trusting in God’s command to shield the weak and the oppressed (Psalm 82:3).
- To advocate for policies rooted in God’s justice, mercy, and love, echoing the vision of the Kingdom of God where every tribe, tongue, and nation finds belonging (Revelation 7:9).
This isn’t a political stance—it’s a theological conviction. Justice, mercy, and compassion are central to God’s character, and if I’m going to follow Jesus, I have to reflect those same attributes in my words, actions, and witness. I will not be silent in the face of oppression, nor will I ignore the biblical mandate to defend the vulnerable and proclaim the Good News of God’s Kingdom.
My doors—and my heart—remain open to all. To the weary and burdened, the fearful and oppressed, the undocumented and displaced, I say this: You are not alone. Here, you will find sanctuary—a holy space where the love of Christ brings healing, safety, and hope. I pray for strength and courage for those who feel unseen, unvalued, or unwanted, and I seek to be a source of comfort and healing in their journey.
Faith isn’t just about what we believe; it’s about how we live. Just as the fire of Pentecost gave the early Church boldness to proclaim the gospel, I trust the Spirit to give us the courage to speak out against injustice and stand with those who are vulnerable. I’m unashamed of this holy mandate, because the same Spirit who empowers us is working through us to bring God’s Kingdom on earth as it is in heaven.
May we be people who welcome the stranger, defend the vulnerable, and love as Christ loves. May we be a place where the weary find rest, the fearful find courage, and every person feels the overwhelming love of Jesus.