A Christian Responsibility

In light of recent events such as the Syrian Refugee Crisis, the question of whether or not
we should provide shelter and aid to refugees has been continuously brought up, especially to
those who are running for presidency. One self-proclaimed Christian conservative stated that
they will surely stand behind incoming refugees but theres a catch, they must prove that they
are Christian. When asked how this screening for religion would carry out, this particular
candidate failed to come up with an answer. So, what determines the legitimacy of our
Christianity? How does it affect our involvement with refugees and immigrants?
In Matthew 25:35-40, Jesus describes judgement day and how it is that our fate is decided
in the simplest ways, in other words how it is that our Christianity is truly validated. The answers
to the following questions lead to either salvation or condemnation, realize the use of the noun
I represents anyone in need: When I was hungry did you feed me? When I was thirsty did you
give me something to drink? When I was a stranger did you invite me in? When I was naked did
you clothe me? When I was sick did you look after me? When I was in prison did you come and
visit me? Jesus then says, Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one of the least of the brothers
and sisters of mine, you did for me. When we service others, we serve and glorify God. As
Christians we are called to serve humanity spiritually, economically, and physically. To those
who do nothing for the needy God says to them, Depart from me, you who are cursed, into the
eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. Those who come to America to seek refuge
and aid are indeed people in need so as Christians are we not to provide wholeheartedly to them?
Jesus say yes.

A Christian Responsibility
In Exodus 22:21 states, Do not mistreat or oppress a foreigner, for you were foreigners
in Egypt. This statement is listed under what the bible says are social responsibilities. This is
again reiterated in Leviticus 19:34, The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your
native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt. I am the LORD your God.
Xenophobia, the irrational dislike or fear of people from other countries, goes against the red
letters of Jesus Christ. You can choose to hate and mistreat those who are refugees and
immigrants but you cannot proclaim to be a practicing Christian, to do that would be to be a
hypocrite.
As Christians, our citizenship is in Heaven, we ourselves are foreigners in this regard. We
are placed here to spread the word of God which is Love. We are to love everyone, no matter that
they are enemies, strangers, or unbelievers. The only reason we need to help out others is
because we love God. Let us take a look at ourselves before we shame others for their beliefs.