Responding as Christians for Hondurans
One of the central themes of the gospel is caring for those who cannot care for themselves. In Matthew 25:40-45, Jesus tells us that whatever we did not do for the least of these, we did not do for him. Where else do we see “the least of these” than in the thousands of people fleeing violence and poverty? The parents in these families with tin walls and dirt floors, one bed for 10 people, and no food for their kids, risk their lives and spend their fortunes for the smallest chance that their kids will not have to grow up knowing the same reality that they did.
If, as a church, and a Christian community, we wish to emulate Christ, here are a few things we should do.
How we should view immigrants: One of the first ways to start is our view toward immigrants. We are called to show Christ-like love for our neighbors, including immigrants, and to share the good news of salvation to those of every nation. Honduran immigrants are made in God’s image and deserve to be treated as such. When we look down upon and despise these individuals and families, we undermine their very human dignity. This is antithetical to the message of the gospel and undermines the Church’s mission.
How we should pray: We should be continually praying for the leaders of Honduras, that they would lead the people in a Christ centered way. We should pray that the people would find comfort in Christ’s love, and we should pray for safety and protection from anyone and anything that seeks to do them harm.
How we should learn: We can read and learn about what life is like in Honduras. We should talk to a local Honduran immigrant about what they have been through. Or, we can on a short term mission trip to Honduras and experience it firsthand.
After living in Honduras for six years and experiencing hundreds of mission trip teams, the one thing I have heard over and over is how people came to Honduras wanting to make a difference in the lives of the Honduran people, but how the love of the Honduran people actually changed them. Christ calls on us to love our neighbor as ourselves, even if that neighbor comes from a faraway and dangerous place like Tegucigalpa. I pray that we may do what’s in our power to love and esteem the Honduran people like Christ loves us. We might just find ourselves changed as a result.
This article about Hondurans originally appeared here.
