Some emphasize compassion in the border crisis, while others stress the need for justice and order. One biblical Christian writer received an email accusing him of lacking compassion.
“The Jesus I believe in just wants people to be compassionate towards each other. We are not told to be judgmental of others because of who they love, what lifestyle they choose to have, or what gender they identify as. Who are you to say what is wrong or right? We shouldn’t focus on talking about 'sin' or telling others they might be going to Hell.”[i]
The question is: Is it legal to break the law? Does compassion negate a law? Does love? When Jesus said to treat foreigners fairly (Matthew 25:35), did He mean those who are lawbreakers? Not so, according to Scripture. Jesus’ call to “Follow Me” (Luke 9:23) demands turning from sin and obeying God’s commands. As His image-bearers, we are called to reflect His righteousness, being born again from above (John 3:3), and submit to every human authority and honor the law (1 Peter 2:13-17).
The emailer misunderstood the biblical teachings on compassion and true care. The difference between those who merely identify as Christians and those who genuinely love God is evident: “Whoever has My commands and keeps them is the one who loves Me” (John 14:21). True believers don’t just claim faith—they embody the authentic compassion of Christ through obedience. The emailer asked, “Who are you to say what is right and wrong?” The answer is clear—we are not the ones who decide; God is. His commands define righteousness, and obedience to them grants wisdom, insight, and understanding, especially of current events (Psalm 119:98-100).
True love means speaking the truth, even when it’s difficult. “Speaking the truth in love” (Ephesians 4:15) includes warning others of the consequences of lawlessness. Ignoring God’s moral law leads to chaos, but following His ways brings clarity and righteousness. Illegal means lawless. Illegal immigrants receive taxpayer-funded benefits that many struggling American citizens are denied. In states like California and Illinois, they get free healthcare, while millions of Americans can’t afford medical treatment. They qualify for in-state tuition and financial aid, while U.S. students take on crushing debt. In cities like New York, they are housed in hotels at taxpayer expense, while homeless veterans remain on the streets. Even legal defense funds are set aside to fight their deportation, while many Americans can’t afford an attorney when facing hardship.
Open Border’s Devastation
In 2024, U.S. Customs and Border Protection recorded over 10.8 million encounters nationwide—a staggering increase from 3 million between 2017 and 2020—fueling preventable tragedies under Biden’s catch-and-release policies. One of the countless illegal immigrants released into the country murdered 22-year-old nursing student Laken Riley, a heartbreaking reminder of the real cost of failed border enforcement.
The devastation continues: 12-year-old Jocelyn Nungaray was raped and murdered by illegal Venezuelan nationals in Houston. Rachel Morin, a Maryland mother of five, was brutally killed. An Ecuadorian national sexually assaulted a 13-year-old girl in New York City. These crimes—and countless more—could have been prevented if immigration laws had been adequately enforced.
Thankfully, President Trump has taken decisive action, issuing executive orders to deport illegal criminals and enacting the Laken Riley Law to strengthen federal detention of violent offenders.
1. What Are the Christian Roots of America’s Justice System?
Returning to the earliest days of American settlement, our nation's legal system was shaped by God’s laws
All 13 original colonies had founding documents, constitutions, or declarations referencing honoring God, and the importance of divine guidance in governance. Many explicitly acknowledged God as the source of rights, moral authority, or civic virtue. For example, the Massachusetts Bay Colony’s 1780 Constitution declared a duty to worship God and encouraged public worship. Pennsylvania’s 1776 constitution required government officials to acknowledge belief in God and divine inspiration of the Scriptures. Connecticut’s Fundamental Orders, 1639, established governance based on God’s principles. Delaware’s Constitution (1776) and the Northwest Ordinance (1787), which governed the territories, underscored the importance of virtue, which the Ten Commandments promote.
The Ten Commandments and our laws continue to shape the United States today with a legal system emphasizing justice, personal responsibility, and respect for human dignity. God’s divine commandments form the foundation of justice and moral order (Romans 13:1-4) while upholding truth, fairness, and accountability builds a just society.
2. True Justice Upholds Both Compassion and Accountability
True compassion cannot exist without justice. Justice upholds the dignity of both the oppressed and the law-abiding, ensuring that mercy does not enable wrongdoing. God’s commandments establish peace and prosperity without favoritism toward wealth, race, or status. True justice is not about partiality but righteousness—balancing compassion with accountability (Romans 14:12).
Allowing people to enter our nation illegally—an act explicitly forbidden by law—is neither justice nor compassion. A just society upholds law and order, protects the vulnerable, and fosters peace and prosperity. This principle is as clear as the relationship between loving parents and their children. Those who honor and respect their parents, showing gratitude for their care, receive the greatest blessings a family can offer. In the same way, when a nation upholds laws rooted in God’s commandments, it invites His blessings and favor (Deuteronomy 28:1-2).
3. The Consequences of Rejecting God’s Law
Israel’s downfall due to continual rebellion serves as a sobering reminder of this truth: when nations turn from God’s commandments, chaos, suffering, and disorder inevitably follow. “Righteousness exalts a nation, but sin is a reproach to any people” (Proverbs 14:34).
The escalating violence and lawlessness at the border reflect the broader consequences of a culture that disregards God’s moral law. The border crisis—fueled by unchecked illegal immigration—has led to human trafficking, sexual violence, senseless murders, and deadly fentanyl overdoses. Instability reigns where justice is abandoned.
God’s Word commands fair treatment of foreigners and strangers (Exodus 22:21, Leviticus 19:33-34), but that fairness came with a responsibility: to live by the laws of the land. Scripture makes it clear: true justice is the bedrock of peace and stability (Micah 6:8). Our nation, founded upon God’s commandments, thrives and stands strong as long as we are law-abiding citizens. Otherwise, it will crumble.
4. What Is the Proper Biblical Response to the Border Crisis?
Everyone who sins breaks the law” (1 John 3:4), and any teaching that claims otherwise is mistaken. God’s law is perfect, trustworthy, right, and radiant. True righteousness begins with a reverent fear of the Lord (Psalm 19:7-9). Though God “justifies the ungodly” (Romans 4:5), His grace never undermines righteousness—it transforms.
When Jesus forgave the woman caught in adultery, He also commanded her, “Go and sin no more” (John 8:11). Likewise, His kindness toward Zacchaeus, a corrupt tax collector, led to repentance and restitution (Luke 19:5-9). Jesus met people in their brokenness but always called them to obedience, forsaking sin, and upholding God’s law.
God’s laws have not changed. God’s Word brings clarity. There is wisdom in knowing and applying God's Word to every aspect of life—including the immigration crisis. Christians are called to show compassion to those in need, but true compassion does not mean disregarding laws or removing accountability. The principles upon which our nation was founded align with God’s commandments, offering guidance in complex issues.
5. A Faithful Response to the Crisis
The confusion surrounding the border crisis often becomes a stark issue of legality. America has long welcomed those who seek the American dream, provided they come legally. While no system is perfect, this does not justify breaking the law to enter the country.
Uncontrolled illegal immigration has led to horrific crimes—murders, rapes, drug and sex trafficking, and human exploitation—devastating lives and communities. Meanwhile, millions of American tax dollars—intended to support citizens—are unethically and illegally used to fund benefits for illegals, including new cell phones, free flight tickets, free lodging, and other perks that many Americans cannot access. A nation that abandons the rule of law invites chaos, harm, and suffering. A just and compassionate system must uphold the rule of law while ensuring fairness for those who contribute to and rely on it. Justice and order protect the innocent. Compassion and security are not opposites; true compassion, whether in faith or governance, leads people to a better way that upholds justice and righteousness.
[i] Dear Christians, there's nothing 'compassionate' about helping people get to Hell | Blaze Media
Photo Credit: © Getty Images/kodda
