Security vs. compassion?

Are the values of security and compassion competing values? The discussion in our country surrounding the issue of refugees often places those two desires at opposite ends. Is it fear of those beyond our borders that reinforces our movements toward security? That seems the likely catalyst in proposals for greater restrictions on allowing refugees (even highly vetted ones) into the United States.

Maybe it’s worth asking how we define security. For those who believe it, the Bible is clear that our security is only found in our relationship with God. For Christians that security is centered on Jesus, who we believe is God’s Son and whose death and resurrection gives us eternal security in our relationship with the loving God.

That security with God, and the teachings of Jesus, frees us and compels us to be compassionate toward others; to be especially compassionate to those in need, which refugees by definition are. If our ultimate security is found in what God has done for us in Jesus, doesn’t that allow us to practice compassion to the outsiders? What does this mean for American Christians and how we view refugees?

Rev. John Sowers, First Presbyterian Church

Spokane