NAPERVILLE, Ill. (AP) _ Matthew Soerens says when the Bible commands us to love our neighbor, that includes immigrants — regardless of their legal status.

Soerens has been working as an immigration counselor for World Relief, the compassionate service arm of the National Association of Evangelicals. In the Chicago area, he’s been calling for compassion at churches where many undocumented immigrants have become members.

Kirsten Strand, outreach pastor at Community Christian Church of Naperville, says Christians wonder how to balance compassion for immigrants with upholding the law.

Soerens says Christians also should ask if the law is just.

World Relief is one of many religious organizations calling for comprehensive immigration reform.