Today’s Bread ~ My Muslim Neighbors

Matthew 10:42 – “And if you give even a cup of cold water to one of the least of my followers, you will surely be rewarded.”

Mike and I live on a quiet street in Flower Mound, Texas.  When we moved in almost three years ago, I eagerly scanned the street, hoping to see a bike or scooter discarded on the sidewalk or flung in the grass; any sign of children.

No luck.  The street behind us is teeming with them, but we are easily the youngest family on our block.

The neighbors on our left are Muslim.  For almost three years I have been wondering how to effectively witness to them.  They are devoted to Islam – far more devoted than most Christians.  They go to Mosque three times a day, and recite the prayers five times daily.  She wears the hijab, covering everything but her face. 

I am as friendly to them as I know how to be, calling out cheerful greetings when the opportunity arises.  But my convictions are growing.  I need to do more.

Last night, to my surprise, the woman and her son came to our door with a feast fit for a king.

“We are celebrating Ramadan,” she said in her sweet, soft voice.  “Happy Ramadan,” I exclaimed, immediately feeling foolish.  Do they even say “Happy Ramadan?”

She went on to explain that the holiday is the greatest in Islam tradition, lasting a month.  During this time, practicing Muslims fast from sunrise to sunset.  The families arise between 4 and 4:30 to cook and eat together before morning prayers.  They gather again at sunset.

As she explained their traditions and offered the food, God placed something on my heart, and I was filled with love for my neighbors.  They were witnessing to me.

I had struggled with what I would say and how I would say it.  I had prayed about an opportunity to share Jesus.  And while I was sitting and wondering, she had come to my door with a meal and explained the most important holiday of her faith.

She was the epitome of “loving her neighbor.”

And I, the Christian, had spent three years doing nothing. 

I had never extended love with a meal, and she came with a feast.  I had never opened my doors in the spirit of hospitality, so she knocked on them.  She didn’t offer me a Quran or tell me why I was wrong.  She extended neighborly loved.  And it worked.

God may or may not open the door for me to invite her to Christ. 

I let that stop me from being Christ to her.

I may never open the Bible and read to her, but then again, I might.  And I can open my home and my heart.  I can befriend her.  I can start a conversation.  I can open the pathway of communication by asking her about her history…and her faith.  I can pray that the Holy Spirit would guide my words and actions and trust Him to show me ways to sow seeds.

Not all of us are Billy Graham.  Not everyone is destined to be an evangelist.  But every single one of us can sow seeds.

I am delighted to have a coffee date with my neighbor (and, God willing, future friend) next week.  I look forward to seeing what God will do.

Acts 2:38-29 – Peter replied, “Each of you must turn from you sins and turn to God, and be baptized in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins.  Then you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit.  This promise is to you and to your children, and even to the Gentiles – all who have been called by the Lord our God.

Heavenly Father, I confess that I have not loved my neighbors as You call us to – both my literal and figurative neighbors.  Thank You for showing us that witnessing can be done in a multitude of ways, and that love is the best witness of all.  We ask that You would open doors and create opportunities to love others like You love us.  Rather than shy away because we don’t know what to say, help us to shine Your light and Your love.  Help us to show the world that Christians, true followers of Christ, are here to serve in any way You tell us to.  It is so easy to stay in our comfort zone, surrounding ourselves with people just like us.  But Jesus tells us to “Go, and make disciples of all nations.”  We need You, God, help us to do that.  Show us ways to be the hands and feet of Christ. Touch our eyes, that we would see Your people, all of them, like You do.  We love You so much, God.  Thank You for Your patience with us.  It is in the beautiful, magnificent name of Jesus Christ, our Lord and Savior, that we pray.  Amen.