The immigration debate focuses on protecting “our” land, reserved for “our” people. Keeping immigrants and refugees out of our land is consistent with the laws of nature. For instance, a bear is very protective of his property, and does not welcome other animals to share in his food.

However, we are not people of nature. We are people of God. And God consistently tells us in the Bible that we are to share the blessings given to us with those less fortunate. When it comes to immigration, the directive of God is clear: “The alien who resides with you shall be to you as the citizen among you; you shall love the alien as yourself, for you were aliens in the land of Egypt.” (Leviticus 19:34).

As people of God, not people of nature, we should know that this is not our land — it is God’s land, and God welcomes all to his land.