How should we view and respond to people of different religions? - Blog - Eternal Perspective Ministries

First of all, we view them as created in the image of God, valuable, precious in God’s sight, and therefore they should be precious in our sight. We should treat everyone with respect. As a matter of fact, even if we have an enemy and that person was attacking us, Jesus said, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you” (Luke 6:27). (And I don’t regard people of other faiths as enemies.)

Clearly we should have respect, love, kindness, mercy, grace, all of those things, toward others. There are very honest differences between people of different belief systems. So it doesn’t mean we are going to agree on everything. Clearly we are not going to agree on everything! But I think we need to disagree with grace and respect. Just because we don’t believe the same thing doesn’t mean we should have an antagonistic attitude toward other people.

However, as Christians, to be understanding and tolerant of other people also coincides with our need to be faithful to what we believe is true. So I can believe that somebody without Jesus Christ is actually going to Hell for eternity (Matthew 25:46), but still love that person and respectfully disagree with their belief system. I also need to be willing to protect them from harm, die for them, speak the gospel truth in love, and do all that I can to show them the love of Jesus. All of that fits together.  

image credit

Give

Subscribe to the Daybreak Devotions for Women

Be inspired by God's Word every day! Delivered to your inbox.


More from Randy Alcorn

Editor's Picks

  • featureImage

    An Inspired Challenge for Wives This Father's Day - Today Can Be Different

    Consider asking your husband how you can pray for him each day. (If the father of your children doesn’t live with you, for whatever reason, remember to put him on your prayer list too.) Your husband wants nothing more than to succeed, but he probably struggles with issues he’s afraid to admit, even to himself. He may feel insecure about being a dad, especially if he didn’t have the benefit of a good role model. Or maybe he feels more like an understudy because he’s “only” a stepdad.

    3 min read
  • featureImage

    Knowing and Being Known

    Image generated by AI. April and I have started going to a church that is new to us. We agree with their philosophy of keeping faith in God simple. They preach Jesus and him crucified. When you sta…

    3 min read
  • featureImage

    Making Marriage Easier — Carol McLeod Ministries

    A Note from Carol: One of the greatest joys of my ministry is sharing voices that inspire and uplift with both passion and purpose. Today, I’m honored to introduce you to Arlene Pellicane—a gifted author, podcaster, and a tireless champion for families. Arlene shares her heart with us this week o

    6 min read

More from Randy Alcorn