In our diverse neighborhoods today, Christians often find themselves living side by side with people from various religious and cultural backgrounds. I believe that the choices we make in our relationships can reflect the character of God.

Jesus, in Matthew 5:13–16, urged us to be like salt and light in the world. Just as salt enhances, preserves, and seasons food, we can be a positive influence in our friendships, especially with those who hold different beliefs. Being open about our religious differences is like being a light that dispels darkness, an essential aspect of spreading love and understanding.

Friendships with people of different faiths allow us to embody the principles of love, service, and listening. It’s not practical to keep all the lights in one room, just as it doesn’t make sense to limit our friendships to only those who share our beliefs.

To truly fulfill our roles as Christians, we must engage with those who hold different opinions. Disagreement doesn’t hinder our ability to love and be friends. However, to effectively share our beliefs, it’s crucial to understand the perspectives of others. Let’s explore the differences between Islam and Christianity.

1. Understanding God:
   • In Islam, Allah is seen as utterly unknowable. The Quran teaches that considering God as someone who desires a relationship with His creatures is blasphemous. Muslims perform formal prayers to show respect to a distant God.
   • In Christianity, the God of the Bible makes Himself known, inviting us into a closer connection. He even refers to us as “friends” (John 15:15).
2. Path to Heaven:
   • Islam emphasizes strict adherence to good works as the means to reach heaven. Muslims believe that following Allah’s teachings and the words of Prophet Muhammad makes them blameless and opens the doors to various levels of heaven.
   • Christianity teaches that our relationship with God and the promise of eternal life come through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Good works naturally flow from this relationship rather than being a means to it.

In essence, building friendships across faiths allows us to be the salt and light in the world, fostering understanding and love. Despite differences, we can learn from one another and contribute to a more harmonious society.