We started this series with a question: Should Christian’s, or their organizations, assist false (or even hostile) religions when such religions are unjustly treated under American law? One argument against assisting other faiths comes from the former head of the Southern Baptist’s International Mission Board (IMB), “I want no part in supporting a false religion, even if it is in the name of religious freedom.” Yesterday we learned that all American’s, regardless of their religious faith, deserve the same protections under the law. Today we will examine the Bible’s answer to the question we asked at the outset.

Let’s examine the teachings of Jesus first. We could probably end the series after this, but there is more to it. Look at Matthew 5.42-48:

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor’ and ‘hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, love your enemy and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be like your Father in heaven, since he causes the sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous… So then, be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.”

I can hear the stubborn nay-sayers already, “So I have to love them and pray for them, that doesn’t mean I have to help them!” While “love” should encompass “help”, we can be more specific. Read Exodus 23.4-5:

“If you encounter your enemy’s ox or donkey wandering off, you must by all means return it to him. If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen under its load, you must not ignore him, but be sure to help him with it.”

The italicized portions are my doing and aid to point out that help is something we must offer our enemies. But why? The easy answer is also the best, because by treating everyone with love and respect we model God’s perfection. There is a more complex answer as well, and it is one worth your consideration. It has to do with the roles God has ordained in creation.

A while back Think-Biblically.com chastised former president Jimmy Carter for a statement he made. In that article we showed that there are distinctions, roles if you will, for people and for governments. As individuals we are God’s image on earth, and as such we are to exhibit God’s love, mercy and justice. Government has other responsibilities, including making just law, enforcing just law, and repelling foreign invaders. There are further additions to these roles, such as the government having the right to execute people (something individuals do not have a right to do). There is another role that we have not discussed yet, and that is God’s role. God alone reserves the right of vengeance and final judgment of men.

Our world should look something like this: we help our enemies seek justice, government provides that justice and, if our enemies break our trust through murder or mayhem, then government also judges and imprisons or executes as appropriate. At the end of time, God himself judges all by avenging martyrs, judging unrighteousness, and rewarding the righteous. We are not to usurp the authority of government or God.

In summary then, love your Muslim neighbor as yourself.