Article February 20, 2017 Issue

Immigration issues and God’s government

Joan Bernard Bradley

Having lived as an immigrant in a foreign country, I’ve found it’s inspiring to think about how biblical figures adjusted to life in foreign lands. For example, from the Bible’s book of Ruth, I love thinking about Ruth’s extraordinary expression of love and care for her mother-in-law, Naomi, and how this was a key factor in the warm welcome Ruth received in her move from Moab to Judah.

When Boaz first met her in his fields, he urged her to gather grain just in his fields and assured her that she would be safe there. Humbled by his kindness, Ruth asked, “Why have I found grace in thine eyes, that thou shouldest take knowledge of me, seeing I am a stranger?” Boaz spoke admiringly of the favorable report he had already received of her devotion and unselfishness, and confidently affirmed that God would reward her fully. And indeed she was rewarded, including that she became his wife (see Ruth 1:6–18; 2:4–12; 4:9–13).

We do not know exactly how Ruth prayed as she prepared to migrate, but we do know that she was motivated by an unselfish desire to bless. These spiritual qualities are not restricted to certain nationalities, but are inherent in man’s identity as a child of God. This applies to each of us. So, like Ruth, we can know that when our motive is to love and benefit others, we can confidently rely on divine Love’s shepherding presence to guide us as we adjust to life in a foreign land.

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