Loving our Enemies – The Brays in C Asia

There’s a lot can be said about Muslims, the fear of terrorism and ‘enemies’. Some things I’ve heard friends say could make a grown man blush. And, while occasionally (sadly) amusing, they are definitely not worth repeating.

I get it. People are angry. And afraid.

But how does anger allow us to disobey Jesus?

Jesus talked about this very thing. He spoke ~~somewhat~~ very clearly about how to treat our enemies. He said we should PRAY for them. And LOVE them. Remember Luke 6?

Yes, that means even ISIS.

If you’re struggling to understand God’s purposes for you and how to possible love Muslims (in general) or terror groups like ISIS, here are a few practical ways you can begin to walk in love and forgiveness towards enemies, courtesy of Frontiers:

Avoid putting all Muslims in the same box. Islam is not monolithic, but has varying interpretations of and approaches to its own texts.
Offer compassionate assistance to the many who are suffering and displaced due to the actions of ISIS, such as Syrian refugees, the majority of whom are Muslims.
Pray for the transforming power of Christ in the lives of those who inflict evil and terror—just as Saul was transformed as he was carrying out terror against the early followers of Christ.
Extend grace, mercy, love, and goodwill to the many Muslims living alongside us who are concerned about being unjustly discriminated against.
Affirm the call and example of Christ by loving our enemies as well as those who consider us their enemies.
Pray for and seek to help persecuted Christian minorities, brothers and sisters in the Lord (Hebrews 13:3), and affirm that martyrdom for Christ is a powerful testimony (Revelation 12:11) and is often the seed of the church.
Proclaim Jesus’ message of love and forgiveness to the secular world as the discussion of faith within the public sphere in the West has been renewed by Islam.
Promote respect and grace when secularists or Muslims use their freedom of speech to foment disdain, violence, and/or hatred through offensive words or depictions.
Exercise eyes of faith to see that current events could bring questioning within Islam that draw many to Jesus.
Pray that, as a result of the increased awareness of the Muslim world, followers of Jesus would be moved to pray for, support, and be part of efforts to go, serve, and communicate Christ to Muslims.