Yesterday, I was a little frazzled. I had overslept and arrived at work late. When I got to work, I had a huge stack of papers to carry up to my room on the third floor. A fellow teacher saw me struggling and ran to my aid. This teacher is of the Muslim faith.
After I got settled, this teacher of Muslim faith, along with another teacher of Christian faith, somehow began talking about Moses. I knew we shared Abraham, but I didn’t know Moses was also in the Quran. We discussed the differences in the accounts as recorded in the Bible and in the Quran. Neither trying to convince or convert the other. We had a conversation. It was even suggested to add a person of Jewish faith to enhance our discussion.
Now, I know at this point some of you are praying for my soul. Some are afraid I have fallen into heresy. I assure you, I have not. I am very strong in my beliefs. So strong, I am not threaten by other’s beliefs.
I believe, first and foremost, Christians should be known for our love. Not our political affiliation. Not for our defense of the Bible. Not for our allegiance to a flag. But I think we should be known for our love of people. When you love people you can have discussions without an agenda.
Later that day, I noticed my same friend of Muslim faith, countenance had fallen. When asked if she were okay, she said she just felt sad. So I prayed for her. I asked the joy of the Lord be her strength and that she would walk in the joy of the Lord. I loved my friend with my love language, prayer.
I believed she received that prayer because of our friendship.
My dear Christian friends, let us love all people regardless of their faiths, regardless of their political or denominational affiliation. Let us seek to understand without dismissing.
Our job is to love. The Holy Spirit’s job to convict. Jesus’ job to save.
Of course we preach the Gospel. But let’s do that in love. People are more willing to hear, if they feel loved.
“And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us.”
1 John 3:23 NIV
