There has been much reporting of ‘hate’ crimes of late. It is rather strange that while the IRA were murdering hundreds of Protestants in the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s, there were very few references or headlines about ‘HATE’.
These last few days have rarely seen one go past without some news outlet using the word ‘HATE’ in a headline.
Invariably, the term is used of a crime committed against a non-native, black or Asian individual, whose person or property has come under attack from those who claim to be protesting against the disproportionately generous treatment of the immigrants who arrive in the UK illegally.
As is ever the case in such circumstances, many innocent, hard-working and legal immigrants become targets by those acting is a most loutish fashion.
I. THE BIBLE TEACHES US WHOM WE SHOULD LOVE.
From the beginning of time, God has expected His people to treat strangers with kindness. “Thou shalt neither vex a stranger, nor oppress him: for ye were strangers in the land of Egypt,” Exodus 22:21.
The Christian must ever act in the light of their estrangement from God. “Wherefore remember, that ye being in time past Gentiles in the flesh, who are called Uncircumcision by that which is called the Circumcision in the flesh made by hands; that at that time ye were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel, and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, and without God in the world: but now in Christ Jesus ye who sometimes were far off are made nigh by the blood of Christ,” Ephesians 2:11-13.
The true believe cannot but have an affinity with strangers.
We are not required to ignore sin or criminal activity amongst strangers but we are forbidden to oppose them simply because they are not ‘native born’. (more…)


