Recent debates surrounding reductions to USAID have prompted essential questions for both Christians and citizens.
International support from the US government to poor countries is often portrayed as an act of justice. So, what we didn't manage aid is that America fails to be a glittering city or sign of justice on the hill. However, Christians must carefully evaluate this premise, as they are committed to understanding the Bible of Justice and Mercy.
There is no unfair about citizens prioritizing their citizens.
International aid is not justice, it is an act of compassion. Distinguishing is important. Justice, by definition, involves giving people what they owes. Biblically speaking, justice is about fairness, legality and righteousness, according to God's moral order. It is primarily about correcting mistakes, ensuring fair treatment, and maintaining moral and contractual obligations between individuals and institutions. Mercy, on the other hand, exceeds the unpaid. It is not a right that is required, but a kindness given at will.
For the government, justice is first and foremost to ensure the welfare and protection of its own country. Romans 13:1-7 reveals that the government is established by God to become servants for the benefit of its own citizens, not for the benefit of its own citizens. If the government uses taxpayer dollars to support a foreign country, it does so out of generosity rather than need. This does not mean that such aid is inherently wrong or unwise, but it means that we need to understand it properly. It is also very likely that the issuance of this aid will serve national and strategic interests. If so, that's fine, but unless the country providing assistance has corrected previous injustice against the country, it doesn't make it a matter of justice.
The government's first obligation is to its own people. The US government derives its authority from the Constitution and the consent of its rulers. It exists to serve and protect American citizens. This obligation is a matter of justice. Whether the government supports prioritizing aid to other countries, whether it is infrastructure, defense, economic stability or domestic welfare, governments are looking for their people's needs. If you ignore it, it will fail the main duty.
We must be aware of policies that constitute international generosity as a more pressing obligation than government obligations to government citizens.
This does not mean that America should be indifferent to global suffering. On the contrary, Christian compassion calls individuals, churches and private organizations to respond generically to the needs of the world. The good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) was not a representative of the government. He was an individual who was moved by compassion. In the New Testament, early churches featured collections for the suffering of Christians in other cities, but this was not a nationally mandated policy, but an act of voluntary charity.
There is a difference between personal and institutional responsibility.
At the same time, governments may find cautious reasons to engage in international aid. It can serve diplomatic or strategic interests, or generate goodwill and prevent crises that could later threaten national security. These are valid considerations, but they fall into the realm of prudence rather than justice. If aid is extended, it should be done with wisdom and not promote corruption, addiction, or unintended consequences that exacerbate the light-like nature of the people they are trying to help. Moreover, it should not be prioritized above the impending needs of the citizens of the country.
Therefore, priorities need to be kept clear, as if we are considering international aid policies. Christians need to defend a government that plays the role of the Bible. Protect your people first, encouraging generosity in a way that does not undermine your main obligations.
There is no unfair about citizens prioritizing their citizens. In fact, if you don't do that, you'll be fraudulent.
The right way is to separate justice from mercy and ensure that the government does the same. When governments fulfill their fair duties, people are in a better position to spread mercy to the world, both personally and collectively.
Understanding this distinction is essential in assessing aid policies and defending governments operating in biblical clarity and wisdom.
