Spirit-Filled Denomination Takes a Bold, Biblical Stance for DREAMers

Many are looking for political solutions. And our nation’s legislation is important. But, for the sake of our future, my prayer is that we will find a balance between law and mercy. There can be little debate that the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob led a mercy revolution in the New Testament era, challenging the religious leaders of that time. It raised the value of the “least” among them and called for justice, compassion and inclusion. Jesus strengthened the Levitical command to love our neighbors when He placed it in proximity to His statement, “You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart, and with all your soul, and with all your strength, and with all your mind” (Luke 10:27).

I’m grateful to belong to a church movement that is more like a family than a denomination. We don’t “card” people coming through the door to see if they are sinners or saints, members or non-members, documented or undocumented. Scripture refers to houses of worship as “sanctuaries.” They are safe places that help mitigate our mistakes. They shout out that we are all recipients of God’s mercies, grace and forgiveness. They are to be houses of prayer and worship for all nations.

Jesus always prioritized those who were hurting, displaced, bound, blind and marginalized. He was cognizant of the law, but He led with the heart and the priority of God. I want to be on the side mercy, not religion; compassion, not callousness. We cannot stand silent. We will speak out against injustice, and we will act according to God’s laws. We respect and submit to the laws of our land, but we will speak up and challenge them when they undermine God’s laws. Regardless of what earthly nations we belong to, we are all citizens of a heavenly kingdom.

We ask our government to provide a permanent, legislative solution for the DREAMers as soon as possible—one that will allow them to continue to work, study and contribute in meaningful ways to their communities and the nation. We also ask our government to provide a clear path toward their obtaining legal status in the U.S. DREAMers were brought to this country as children, and most of them know no other home. They are now living in fear and uncertainty due to their lack of legal status. We support them and welcome them home in Christ!

We encourage pastors and leaders to get acquainted with the issues and the laws, and the pathways by which the voices of DREAMers may be heard. Please take the time to engage in the resources, prayer and scriptures provided below.

RESOURCES

The following are resources that may be helpful as you prayerfully, spiritually, strategically and skillfully navigate these critical issues:

Website: The National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, led by former Foursquare Connection speaker Samuel Rodriguez.

Book: Christians at the Border: Immigration, the Church and the Bible by M. Daniel Carroll R.

Prayer

This prayer from President Glenn Burris Jr. will guide you as you pray for all of those affected by this issue and for those entrusted with decisions that will determine legislative outcomes.

Father, we first ask for the protection of the many families deeply affected by the recent DACA ruling. We pray against the fear and anxiety that are rising in their hearts and minds. May the peace of God rule their hearts. We pray for wisdom, protection and provision. We speak love, grace and mercy over them today as our family. In the midst of unbelievable uncertainty and pain, bring them comfort by Your Spirit. Give them hope for the future. We also pray for those tasked with legislation. We ask that You empower them to lead with humility, justice, mercy and kindness. Let them take action that is motivated by those characteristics instead of fear and protectionism. May the wisdom and compassion of God rule our nation. We pray this in Jesus’ name.

Amen.

Scripture 

This powerful passage of Scripture outlines God’s priorities for us and His accompanying blessing when we follow them.

Isaiah 58:6-9 reads:

Is not this the fast that I have chosen:

to loose the bonds of wickedness,

to undo the heavy burdens,

and to let the oppressed go free,

and break every yoke?

Is it not to divide your bread with the hungry

and bring the poor who are outcasts into your house?

When you see the naked, to cover him

and not hide yourself from your own flesh?

Then your light shall break forth as the morning,

and your healing shall spring forth quickly,

and your righteousness shall go before you;

the glory of the Lord shall be your reward.

Then you shall call, and the Lord shall answer;

you shall cry, and He shall say, Here I am. {eoa}

Glenn Burris Jr. is the president of the Foursquare Church. Used by permission from The Foursquare Church. View the original article here.