It’s pretty much the prime directive of the gospel: whenever you have done for the least of these, you have done it for me. I understand conerns about terrorists crossing our borders and detonating a bomb. We need more border enforcement, without question.

But if, as conservatives claim, we are a Christian nation, then we not only should welcome those who have come here, whether legally or not, we should welcome them, offer them food, shelter, money, the shirt off our back. We can grumble and think it sucks and get all resentful about it, but we should do it. They are coming here to work. They are coming here for a better life for them and their children. They are coming here for hope.

The paradox of all this is that we have an opportunity not for begrudging acceptance of interlopers, but for a powerful gift of grace and spiritual enrichment. Those millions of immigrants can actually help us help oursleves by offering a chance to live the words of Christ. Yes, more bodies patroling the border. Better yet, high-tec equipment to detect and stop those coming across. In the War on Terror it’s a must.

But to my fellow conservatives I say: be grateful for those who have come to cut our grass and chang our sheets. You may find yourself with an opportunity to help Jesus Christ.

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