(Jesus said) "By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another." (John 13:35)
The current controversy over the proposed Islamic community center in Manhattan has revealed one of America's dirty little secrets - a lot of people in this country simply don't like Muslims. While some of this sentiment may tie back to the events of 9/11, I suspect more of it may simply be the result of Americans wearying of outsiders infringing on our "traditional ways of life". We see this as well in the backlash against illegal immigrants, primarily those of Hispanic origin. But that is another blog for another Sunday.
Personally, I am saddened by the harsh and acerbic reactions of many people in this country toward the community center, and more importantly, the Muslims behind this project (as well as Muslims in general). Unfortunately, much of the hatred being spewed toward them is coming from self-proclaimed "Christians". I imagine that such behavior greatly saddens our Father and grieves the Holy Spirit. When did the teachings of Jesus about love and forgiveness morph into a gospel of hate and intolerance? Does any "Christian" truly believe they are carrying out the commands of their Savior by vilifying Muslims or burning copies of the Koran?
When was the last time anyone was hated into the Kingdom of God? I dare say, never. Christianity was always meant to be a religion of attraction, not coercion. Obviously, we have a history of getting it wrong, but we have the capacity to get it right. How much easier would it be to win over our Muslim neighbors and co-workers by showing them unconditional love and acceptance as people who need a Savior just as much as we do?
I love Muslims because Jesus loves them. The Apostle Peter wrote that God does not want "anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance." (2 Peter 3:9) Jesus died on the cross so all people could have the gift of eternal life, regardless of who or what they are. I love Muslims, not because of their religion, but in spite of it. Jesus extended love and forgiveness to the Roman soldiers who tortured and abused him, and had carried out his inhumane execution. How can we do less?
Regardless of your own personal feelings about the community center in New York (which is neither a mosque nor at Ground Zero, as the hysterical media like to portray it), if you profess Jesus Christ as your Savior, you have a responsibility to love the followers of Islam and seek out their good and not their harm. I honestly believe that if the Christian Church in the US were to take such an attitude, we would see many more Muslims come to faith instead of viewing us as the enemy.
Have a blessed week.
Pastor David
