Addressing the Border Crisis from a Christian Worldview
In Romans 13, Paul by the Spirit of God outlines a profound perspective on the role of government, describing it as an institution ordained by God with a clear purpose: to administer justice by “bearing the sword” against wrongdoing and wrongdoers and to do good to its citizens. According to this passage, government is responsible for enforcing laws that protect citizens and society, punish evil, and promote peace. This foundational idea deeply influenced America’s Founding Fathers, who envisioned a government of limited scope, carefully checked by laws and divided powers to prevent tyranny. In this view, the government’s role is restrained to essential functions that protect and uphold justice, while leaving space for society—including the church—to meet spiritual and communal needs.
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The church, distinct from the state, is uniquely tasked with serving the vulnerable, embodying compassion, and bringing hope through acts of love and charity. This complementary dynamic respects the boundaries between civic duties and spiritual responsibilities. The church’s mission to serve the poor and downtrodden reflects Christ’s call to compassion. When the government attempts to take on this role, it leads to overreach, compromising both its effectiveness and efficiency in governing and the church’s ability to minister to the community. Likewise, when people look to the government to fulfill the role of the church, a society suffers. Sadly, many Christians who voted for Harris are confused on the distinct and completely different role of the church and the state.
Unprecedented Surge in Illegal Crossing Under Biden-Harris
The Biden-Harris administration’s approach to border policy brings this into sharp focus. By adopting lenient stances that have led to an unprecedented surge in illegal crossings, the government under the outgoing administration has compromised its purpose according to Romans 13 mandate to protect and uphold justice and protect America’s citizens. Compassionate policies should not translate into open borders, flooding swing states, and end up facilitating human trafficking, drug smuggling, and strain on communities. The uncontrolled influx of migrants leaves vulnerable individuals—including children—vulnerable to traffickers, drugs, abuse, and cartels. This approach burdens border communities and stretches social services thin, making it challenging for cities and towns to respond compassionately and sustainably.
Less Government Involvement
True compassion should be initiated by the church, not the government. The idea of separation of church and state means the government must never be involved or hinder the free exercise of religion and must never attempt to take the church’s responsibility from her. That’s not compassion, that’s overreach.
Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the Government for a redress of grievances.
It reminds me of the famous quote from Ronald Reagan, “I think you all know that I’ve always felt the nine most terrifying words in the English language are: I’m from the Government, and I’m here to help.”
The Church Moves with Compassion
Government must never attempt to usurp the role of the church and vice-versa. Borders, when managed responsibly, serve to prevent suffering rather than create it, providing structured and lawful paths for those seeking a new life. The church can step in to provide support, welcome, and aid for legal immigrants, but only within a system that allows society to thrive as a whole.
Ultimately, limited government, as envisioned by the Founders, doesn’t preclude compassionate legal immigration policy—it calls for one that serves both newcomers and citizens responsibly.
