Perspectives

Samuel Oduyela's perspective on immigration policy:

The debate over immigration often becomes political, but for Christians it should also be biblical.

Scripture consistently calls God’s people to treat the foreigner with dignity, compassion, and justice. Leviticus 19:34 commands, “The foreigner residing among you must be treated as your native born. Love them as yourself.” Deuteronomy 10:18 to 19 reminds us that God loves the foreigner and commands His people to do the same. Hebrews 13:2 urges believers not to neglect showing hospitality to strangers. In Matthew 25:35, Jesus says, “I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Isaiah 1:17 calls us to defend the oppressed, and James 2 warns against showing partiality.

None of these passages mean that a nation cannot have borders or enforce its immigration laws. Governments have a responsibility to uphold justice and maintain order. But as individuals who profess to follow Christ, we are never given permission to hate, dehumanize, mistreat, or rejoice in the suffering of immigrants.

You can support the rule of law and still treat people with compassion. You can believe in secure borders and still recognize the dignity of every human being. That balance reflects the heart of Scripture far better than hostility or indifference ever could.

Samuel O Oduyela      
July 26, 2026

You can read Samuel Oduyela's July 14, 2026 post on Nigeria here: "When Human Suffering Becomes a Political Tool: The Danger of Misrepresenting Nigeria's Security Crisis."