Muslims...when they become more then just a face on TV

It seems that as events escalade with ISIS and as we in America are in our current election season, there is heightened focus on the Muslim faith.  I read people posting on Facebook the awful things that extremest are doing in the name "islam."  I read about people who have anger towards muslims.  I hear a presidential candidate who says that we should close our country to muslims; in essence taking away our religious freedom.

Now, anyone who knows me for more then 5 minutes know that I love Jesus with all my heart.  It is my desire for everyone to know the love, grace and freedom that comes through a relationship with Jesus.  With this said, Matt and I have been embracing our muslim friends for many years now.  When we lived in Owasso we hosted the Novruz party.  We had over 50 Persians (muslims) in our home.  We shared a meal together, laughed and enjoyed a great night of celebration.  In the following years we moved into a Muslim country.  Our day to to day was surrounded by muslims.  Again, some of our closest friends still to this day are muslim.

We lived in a country where there isn't religious freedom.  We know what it is like to worry about gathering together for worship.  We would look over our shoulders, not meet with too many and change locations.  There is a level of fear that is devastating to one's being when you live in a state of fear because of your religious beliefs.  I do not believe this is the environment that we want to create in America.  We have muslim neighbors who are living in fear in a country where they should be able to live in peace.

Jesus himself was persecuted and ridiculed.  Did he teach us to judge and reject those who persecuted him?  No, in fact he taught us to love our enemies and forgive 7 times 70 times.  If we really want to change our world, we can do it by loving as Jesus loves and not by reacting out of fear.

One the best ways to overcome our fear about muslims is to befriend one.  Invite them for dinner, share a meal.  Listen to their story and I am positive that your heart will be moved by all that they have lived through.