by Kevin Carson
A. How do we respond to President Obama seeking to resettle more than 10,000 Syrian refugees in the United States? As evidenced in social media, the average Christian is conflicted; in fact, non-Christians are as well. As Christ-followers, we want to respond biblically, yet we want to protect against the dangers of ISIS, especially in light of the events in Paris and San Bernardino. So, what should we hope and do?
FOUR PRINCIPLES TO HELP YOU THINK THROUGH OUR CONFLICT
The Bible implores us, in relationship to one another, to be full of mercy and grace, just as God is toward us (Ephesians 4:32, et.al.). In the Old Testament, Israel was to show mercy to those who were less fortunate and foreigners (Leviticus 23:22). In the New Testament, every Christian is to be known by love (John 13:35), where mercy is just an outworking of love. As a follower of Jesus, we are to be kind, have tenderhearted compassion, and forgive one another. Tenderhearted compassion references the deepest love from the heart that flows out of personal sympathy, encouraging graciousness toward one another. When we see and hear the plight of the Syrian refugees, our natural inclination is to love and help provide for them.
We are also Americans who have a vested interest in this nation. Our nation isn’t just a landmass, a set of values, the sum total of the GNP, or “a land of opportunities.” Our nation is people. This issue is greater than a mere political conversation. It relates to the safety of all Americans — including those in our own homes.
Furthermore, God’s purpose and role for government is for justice and protection of people (Romans 13:1-7). There is a responsibility associated with bringing Syrian refugees, or any person for that matter, to resettle in the United States. The government’s primary purpose is not to demonstrate mercy to foreigners. If the government refuses to resettle refugees, it actually helps protect its citizenry. In this instance, though, as a representative of her people, it would be best for the government to not just protect, but also work with other nations to provide help (acts of mercy) in Syria.
Tough times call for perseverance. Our perseverance comes from what we know about God and His plan. God is in control and wants to receive glory even in the midst of danger and tragedy (Romans 8:28-39). Our response must reflect our confidence in God’s love and plan for the world, which of course includes sharing the Gospel.
HOW DO WE RESPOND?
How do we reconcile these dissimilar ideas — mercy, love, Gospel-intention, and protection? How do we live and speak consistently? Here are a couple of ideas.
Our response should be full of love and mercy — love toward Americans as our neighbors and love toward the Syrian refugees as the foreigners. We should also show mercy regardless of what the government does. If the government helps refugees in Syria, there are missionaries and organizations desperately needing volunteers and donations. If Syrians are resettled here, we love and serve willingly. Our responsibilities to demonstrate love and mercy do not change.
Mercy has many different looks. The American government can and should seek to help the refugees and the citizenry. Many Syrian refugees have been sinned against, and most are in desperate need. At the same time, there may be terrorists among them. Without a robust vetting system, it seems dangerous to bring these individuals into the United States. However, the U.S. should work toward a solution to the Syrian civil war, while helping those displaced until they no longer have to be helped.
Our primary response should be Gospel-centered. This may be an answer to believer’s prayers as those who were unreachable may now live in our communities and neighborhoods. What an incredible opportunity for us to pray for their salvation and share the Gospel with them.
Regardless of what the government does, may we honor God in demonstrating the same kind of love Christ gives us to those who need it, while also praying for God’s protection and wisdom.
Kevin Carson serves as department chair of Biblical Counseling at Baptist Bible College and Theological Seminary in Springfield, MO. He is the pastor of Sonrise Baptist Church in Ozark, MO.
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