Immigrants, Authority, and Protest

Study
Note: Today, using the word "immigrant" is more preferable than the word "foreigner." However, because the biblical word is most commonly translated as "foreigner" or "stranger," we'll use that here.

1. Here's a list of almost 30 Bible passages that speak about loving the foreigner. What stands out to you about how consistently Scripture commands God’s people to love the foreigner—from the Law, to Jesus, to the early church?
2. What's the significance of understanding that the command to love the foreigner is a moral command rooted in God’s character rather than a modern cultural or political idea? or an obsolete civil or ceremonial command of the Old Testament?
3. What do the prophets teach us about God’s expectations for rulers and systems, especially in relation to the foreigner and the vulnerable? Here's a list of passages to review.
4. How does Scripture hold together both submission to human authority (1 Peter 2) and obedience to God above all (Acts 5:29)?
   
   1. If a human law conflicts with God's moral law, what should you do?
      
   2. How do you feel about Jesus' command to not retaliate, or use violence; Peter's statement that "it is commendable if someone bears up under the pain of unjust treatment" by doing good and not evil; and Paul's statement to leave room for God's vengeance?
   3. In what ways are human laws and orders related to immigration in conflict with God's moral law?

Application

1. Where do you feel tension between your faith and the political or cultural voices you hear about immigrants, protest, or authority?
   
2. What is one concrete way you could practice hospitality or compassion toward an immigrant?
   
3. How can you personally live out “overcoming evil with good” in moments of disagreement, fear, or injustice?
   
4. What might it look like for you to hold both humility toward authority and courage to speak for the mistreated?
   

Prayer
Ask God to shape your heart to reflect His justice, mercy, and compassion, especially toward those who are vulnerable or overlooked. Pray for the courage to obey Christ faithfully, trusting Him with outcomes and final justice.