The Asylum
This is the name given to a place that provides refuge to those who are persecuted. There are many countries around the world that grant asylum, and an example of this is Chile, whose national anthem includes verses that literally say “asylum against oppression.”
The United States is known for granting asylum to many people from different countries who have requested it after arriving in the U.S. to escape some form of life-threatening persecution in their places of origin. Asylum is a very Christian expression of Western culture in recent centuries. At the beginning of Christianity, completely opposite things happened, resulting in persecution by the Roman Empire or by Jews who didn’t accept them.
Christ was persecuted and ultimately crucified, and this becomes a very important milestone because we know He knew what was going to happen and teaches us that thanks to His death on the cross, our sins will be forgiven. “But even if you should suffer for righteousness sake, you will be blessed. Have no fear of them nor be troubled, but in your hearts honor Christ the Lord as holy, always being prepared to make a defense to anyone who asks you for a reason for the hope that is in you it with gentleness and respect, have a good conscience, so that, when you are slandered, those who revile your good behavior in Christ may be put to shame.” 1 Peter 4:14-16 SEV.
All of Jesus’s enemies still exist in people who don’t recognize Him or understand His principles. We, however, believe in Him and can approach Him with the assurance of His grace, goodness, compassion, and mercy. We, in turn, must be merciful to others, whether they be neighbors, friends, coworkers, etc., and offer help to anyone who requests asylum or refuge, regardless of whether they are enemies or not. “Put on the, as God’s chosen ones, holy and beloved, compassionate hearts, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience, bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other, as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. And above all these put on love, which binds everything together in perfect harmony.” Colossians 3:12-14 ESV.
Millions of people live in our country who emigrated from other countries many years ago. They left their birthplaces and were educated within their culture, but they didn’t have the development opportunities offered here. Most were welcomed and received legal documents to work and develop their lives. However, some have not been granted asylum applications because their paperwork is not complete with the relevant authorities.
From a Christian perspective, every human being who demonstrates they have been persecuted, threatened, etc., should be granted permanent asylum. This nation, so blessed with great socioeconomic and cultural development, should recognize their status and be merciful to humanity that seeks its refuge. A Christian’s this ought to be done in activities, not in reflection, because we only come to right discernment in activities.
May God bless you.
