In recent weeks I have been thinking and pondering Christ’s command that we should love our neighbors as we love ourselves. I cannot pinpoint one incident that triggered my thought process, but I believe the Holy Spirit impressed it on my heart for a reason. Among other things, I have been thinking of the importance and value in loving nonbelievers into the kingdom of God and how showing them the love of Christ can sometimes make them more receptive to hearing the gospel.

I recently heard two speakers sharing about the importance of loving Muslims into the kingdom of God. Even though I had heard what they were saying before, I was struck by their expression that we would probably have a greater impact if our first reaction or decision concerning nonbelievers, especially Muslims, was love instead of fear or suspicion. Of course, I am not at all advocating blindly going into situations without wisdom or God’s leading, but I believe that what these brothers shared is vital to reaching the Muslim world for Christ.

I have read many testimonies of persecuted believers who share awesome testimonies of leading their persecutors to Christ. In some of these stories, instead of the persecuted retaliating against the persecutor, they show the love of Christ and model Christ to their attackers. Praise God, some of the persecutors have accepted Christ. I have been challenged to look at Christ’s command to love my neighbor as myself with fresh eyes. We might not have the opportunity to befriend a Muslim, but we can daily meet and love our neighbors where we live, work and do business. Join me in praising God for our persecuted brothers and sisters around the world who have opportunities to model this biblical principle every day. Ask God to give them strength and courage to stand. Also, ask Him to use us daily in loving others around us and allowing the love of Christ to flow into the lives of those we meet.