To preface this, I am not nor, have I ever been political, I have not attempted to take sides in any secular debate. Nor have I felt that the pulpit is anyplace for the faithful to preach political affiliations, political rhetoric or secular bantering.
With this being said, I am speaking to you not as a pastor, but as a person who is concerned with events that have been occurring in our country. I am speaking of the issues with the separations of families as a moral issue, and a humanitarian issue, one that we as members of humanity should be outraged about.
What we are seeing can only be described as unbelievable, in this country at this time in history, makes my heart hurt. How can we allow this to happen? Better yet, why is it that are being silent about this? I am not talking about the groups that are voicing opposition to what is happening, their efforts show that there are still people among us who find actions like these morally reprehensible, and unacceptable. I am speaking to those who have the responsibility to lead others in the name of God. In Leviticus, God tells us, “When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt.”
So, are we to not follow His word? Or are we to replace it with our own rhetoric? To this we should remember what Christ told us in Matthew 25:25 – 36 “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.” When Jesus was asked, when have we do these things for you he replied, "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 25:40)
I believe that each Christian or follower of Christ has an obligation towards all peoples, in all places, to show the compassion and love Christ gives to us. We must show Christ working though us, that we may show love and compassion to all who we meet. Saint Paul tells us in Galatians 5:14 “For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Let us treat others in the same way we wish to be treated
May the peace of the risen Christ be with you always.
Lisa
With this being said, I am speaking to you not as a pastor, but as a person who is concerned with events that have been occurring in our country. I am speaking of the issues with the separations of families as a moral issue, and a humanitarian issue, one that we as members of humanity should be outraged about.
What we are seeing can only be described as unbelievable, in this country at this time in history, makes my heart hurt. How can we allow this to happen? Better yet, why is it that are being silent about this? I am not talking about the groups that are voicing opposition to what is happening, their efforts show that there are still people among us who find actions like these morally reprehensible, and unacceptable. I am speaking to those who have the responsibility to lead others in the name of God. In Leviticus, God tells us, “When a foreigner resides among you in your land, do not mistreat them. The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native-born. Love them as yourself, for you were foreigners in Egypt.”
So, are we to not follow His word? Or are we to replace it with our own rhetoric? To this we should remember what Christ told us in Matthew 25:25 – 36 “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.” When Jesus was asked, when have we do these things for you he replied, "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 25:40)
I believe that each Christian or follower of Christ has an obligation towards all peoples, in all places, to show the compassion and love Christ gives to us. We must show Christ working though us, that we may show love and compassion to all who we meet. Saint Paul tells us in Galatians 5:14 “For the entire law is fulfilled in keeping this one command: "Love your neighbor as yourself." Let us treat others in the same way we wish to be treated
May the peace of the risen Christ be with you always.
Lisa
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