Tips for engaging with your Muslim friends - Tip #1

Love Them!

While loving them may sound obvious it’s not always easy. We don’t just love them because they’re nice people (some are, some aren’t), we love them with God’s love which can overcome all kinds of feelings and prejudices we may carry. Let’s look at three categories of Muslims.

1. Love your neighbour (Luke 10:27-28).

When Jesus pointed out the second greatest command, he deliberately used the shocking example of a despised Samaritan being the good guy by loving a complete stranger. Here was a man who loved his neighbour in practical ways, even though they had never met before. Jesus is calling us to do the same.

2. Love the immigrant (Leviticus 19:34).

Many migrants to our country are from a Muslim background. Whatever our view on the politics of immigration, a non-negotiable for followers of Jesus is that we show love to the migrants who live among us.

There are so many opportunities to love asylum seekers and refugees in practical ways.

3. Love your enemy (Matthew 5:44).

We probably agree, this is the hardest one. Muslims are often saddened by their negative reputation due to crime or terrorism perpetrated by a minority in their community. It’s easy for people, even Christians, to see them as the enemy. The amazing grace of God is that he pours out his love on the worst of sinners (see apostle Paul!) in order to transform them into disciples of Jesus. Let’s ask God for him to pour his love into our hearts for all people, even our enemies.

So reaching our Muslim neighbours begins with just loving them with God’s love. Without love we’re just an irritating noise when we share our faith with them. Let’s not only talk to them about Jesus but demonstrate his love in action.

Consider, what are some practical ways you and your friends can show love to Muslims in your neighbourhood?