In the letter to the Hebrews 13:1-2 we read; "Keep on loving one another as brothers and sisters. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it."
As we celebrate Independence Day this month, it is good for us to recall that this great nation was established on Christian principles. And, one of the great signs of our Christian values is seen in the action of showing hospitality. Hospitality to strangers or to the new arrivals in our communities is a sure sign of our commitment to the work of charity towards our neighbor.
Immigration reform is once again being cited as an issue around which, we can expect to see much heated debate in the run up to the November elections. Already, we have people on both sides of the issue lining up to support or denounce effort to finally deal with the issue.
Once again, we have cries from "the nativists" who, wish to close the borders and keep (especially the Latinos) out of the country. We have on the other side those who, wish to legalize all of the undocumented and grant them citizenship today.
In an interesting development, Focus on the Family President Jim Daly has signed a document embracing immigration reform, joining more than 100 evangelical leaders in saying that illegal immigrants should be given an opportunity to become citizens. The coalition will run ads on Christian radio stations in the battleground states of Florida and Colorado encouraging people to welcome immigrants.
"I signed on to this statement because immigration reform is more than an 'issue' to families-it profoundly affects their stability, structure and quality of life," Daly said in a statement. He said the immigration resolution says "our government must respect and balance both the rule of law and the God-given humanity of all people in working toward an immigration solution that puts principles ahead of politics."
"We call on Republicans and Democrats alike to set aside their party agendas and work together for the public agenda and the common good," And so say all of us.
