| The Law - article by Joel Hempel Driving 55 mph in a 35-mph zone down Westwood Northern Blvd in Cincinnati, Ohio, I slowed down, looked both ways, then ran one, then another red light, and making sure no other cars were in sight, I never hesitated driving through the 4-way stop. I was scared, and nothing was going to get in my way as I rushed to the hospital with Marcia in the back seat hollering Hurry!, breathing controlled breaths, trying not to panic with contractions two minutes apart and Aaron, our firstborn, demanding his freedom. Thankfully, it was 5 a.m., and few people were on the road.
Would I have preferred a leisurely and lawful drive to the hospital? Absolutely.
But we were desperate, and I didn’t have a Plan B.
The Law.
Don’t we all agree it should always be obeyed, without exception? Of course, sociopaths break the law at will without remorse. But the rest of us law-abiding citizens believe in the rule of law. And so, we always obey the law.
But what if you were desperate, and the lives of your loved ones were in jeopardy? What would you do? I know what I would do, and I did it.
Sitting in the Plaza Mexicana Laundromat in Scottsdale, Arizona, last week, we were doing our laundry because the washing machine in the Airbnb broke down. Neither the manager nor any of the patrons spoke English. Were many of the 30 or so people who came in and out during our 2+ hour stay illegal migrants? Probably. I didn’t ask. However, I did ask, smiled, and motioned for help in figuring out the machines. Everyone I engaged was kind and willingly showed us the right buttons to push.
As we sat there, I looked at these people and wondered what was so bad about them. Yes, I know they broke the law when they crossed our border illegally. Yes, I suppose there could have been a drug dealer or rapist among them, but the rest of them looked like us: Bored and entertaining themselves the best they could. Some played with their children, some read, and most talked with each other a mile a minute in a language I didn’t understand. And I so wished I spoke Spanish because I would have asked them: What caused such desperation that you decided you had to spend your life’s savings, walk hundreds of miles, and risk arrest to come to America?
We left with no answers, only compassion!
Many in our country want to round them up and send them back. I don’t. The dangerous and violent ones, yes! But the rest of the people seeking a better, safer life? I want to make room for them. I want to help them become contributing citizens. I want them to feel welcomed and respected. And most of all, I want them to know the love of Jesus. As retired mission exec Dr. Bob Scudieri often says, God is bringing the mission field to us.
But my opinion is only my opinion. What counsel does God’s Word offer? If you are willing, I invite you to read and reflect on the following: Hebrews 13:2; Luke 10:25-37; Luke 14:12-14; Matt 25:31-40; Leviticus 19:34; Deuteronomy 10:17-19; Psalm 146:9; 1 John 4:20-21. Jesus’ LAW: You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these (Mark 12:30-31). | 
