The Law of Love

'Let every person be subject to the governing authorities; for there is no authority except from God, and those authorities that exist have been instituted by God’. Romans 13.1

In the last week, Jeff Sessions, the US Attorney General, has found himself at the centre of a media storm. Following a crackdown by the Trump administration on illegal border crossings from Mexico earlier this year, adults crossing the border have been detained and, as a consequence, over 2,000 children have been separated from their parents and transferred to government detention centres. In the face of criticism of this policy, Mr Sessions cited Romans 13. He said, ‘I would cite you to the Apostle Paul and his clear and wise command in Romans 13, to obey the laws of the government because God has ordained the government for his purposes’. When Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the White House Press Secretary, was challenged over Mr Session’s comments, she refused to comment directly on the policy, but blaming the Democrats for refusing to change the law, she simply observed that, ‘it’s very biblical to enforce the law’.

As people watched the heart-breaking scenes of children in detention camps at the Mexican border, religious leaders and public figures condemned this policy with a mixture of disbelief and horror. They challenged the way in which the Bible was used to justify tearing families apart. They contrasted Sessions’ use of Romans 13 with the repeated entreaties in scripture to welcome the stranger and to care for the most vulnerable in society (cf. Exodus and Leviticus). Just in the last few days, in a surprising volte-face, President Trump has issued an executive order to ensure that children are not separated from their parents.

Of course, there are dangers in taking particular Bible verses out of context. Whatever Paul may have said about the legitimacy of the government at Romans 13.1, just a few lines later, he says: "Love your neighbour as yourself. Love does no wrong to a neighbour; therefore, love is the fulfilling of the law” (Romans 13.9-10). In the Christian tradition, the test of a legitimate interpretation of scripture is not how literal it is. From St Paul to St Augustine of Hippo, the greatest theologians of the early church are clear that one of the real tests of faithful and truthful biblical interpretation is 'consistency with evangelical charity’. In other words, its capacity to foster love.

Almighty God,
you have broken the tyranny of sin
and have sent the Spirit of your Son into our hearts
whereby we call you Father:
give us grace to dedicate our freedom to your service,
that we and all creation may be brought
to the glorious liberty of the children of God;
through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
who is alive and reigns with you,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit,
one God, now and for ever. Amen.