These are the questions that ran through my heart and through my mind the opening hours of my time in Nigeria. The problem and the tension between the two religions seem far to HUGE and complex, to come down to a small four-letter word, BUT IT DOES.
At the peace rally the opening speaker asked everyone who was a Christian to raise their hand, and then put it down. He then asked everyone who was Muslim to raise their hand, and then put it down. Finally he asked, for everyone that BLEEDS RED to put their hand up, and EVERY SINGLE PERSON had to put their hand in the air. It gave me chills to see the faces of everyone around, there was a realization that we are ALL creation.
Shortly after, a well respected, American professor, from the local university, told two stories. The first story was from the life of Jesus, when Peter defended him with a sword (Matthew 26:51-54). Peter cut off the roman official’s ear. Immediately Jesus rebuked Peter for his actions, picked up the ear, and healed the officer. Jesus taught peace with his lifestyle. Jesus also taught loving others as yourself. This man went on to tell a second story, this one about Mohammad. Everyday as Mohammad entered the Mosque, there was a man who sat outside who verbally and physically persecuted him for months on end. Mohammad never retaliated. One day Mohammad noticed the man was not outside of the mosque so he asked where he was. His friend stated, “you don’t have to worry about him anymore he is sick.” Mohammad replied, I cannot go into the mosque until I go see him. His friend did not understand, but Mohammad wanted peace and reconciliation.
While these religions are not the same, the followers of both have fallen away from their teachings.
A couple days later we met with a Christian pastor, who lived in a community with many Muslims. He told us about an offering that his church took up for the rebuilding of destroyed homes. The offering, however, went to not just homes of Christians, but to Muslims, as well. God’s love is SCREAMING from this church body’s actions. They KNOW what the Love of Jesus is, and they are showing it.
I have been so honored to meet men and women of God who truly understand the LOVE of Christ. My eyes and heart have continuously been opened, more and more, to how deep and wide the love of Jesus is, and how we are conduits of his love for other people. LOVE is not just a four-letter word; it is the peace this world needs, and the weapon to get us there.
