Show immigrants Christian care

I am a conservative, a Republican but most importantly, a Christian.

I am disturbed about the immigration issue. As Christ followers, those of us who are born again seek to enter the kingdom of heaven one day when we die. Since we are sinful and cannot redeem ourselves, we rely on the finished work of Jesus Christ on the cross and his resurrection that our sins would be blotted out and we could become real citizens of the kingdom of heaven.

Aren't illegal immigrants like us? Like them, we have no claim to heaven. Like them, we are poor and needy for our very life is a gift from God.

How is it then, that we who were shown such mercy and love through our Lord Jesus Christ turn to the "illegal" immigrants who have labored in our fields for less than minimum wages and point the finger to deport them back to impoverished lives?

We who have been blessed so much by God's compassion -- unable to show compassion to people who come to our country in search of shelter and food?

These are not terrorists nor do they break our other laws. Laws need to change to show mercy. Amnesty needs to be given to those who have labored for the benefit of our country and shown they are true citizens in their hearts.

Christians need to see their utter poverty before the Lord Jesus and his great mercy and extend this to others. We were all "illegal" in God's kingdom. W were all sinners in his eyes. Thank God, he is merciful. Can we not imitate the love of Christ, those who claim to be his?

Carol Heisler

Buffalo Grove