In today’s world, it’s easy to feel divided by what we don’t understand. Whether it’s differing religious beliefs or cultural practices, the gaps between us can seem too wide to bridge. But as followers of Christ, we’re called to something greater: to love our neighbors
By Dr. Tim Orr
In today’s world, it’s easy to feel divided by what we don’t understand. Whether it’s differing religious beliefs or cultural practices, the gaps between us can seem too wide to bridge. But as followers of Christ, we’re called to something greater: to love our neighbors—no matter who they are or what they believe. For Evangelicals and Muslims, that means looking beyond theological differences and finding common ground. The good news is, we already have a foundation to build on—shared values like family, community, and hospitality. If we take the time to listen, serve, and open our hearts, we can create meaningful relationships that reflect the love of Christ in a broken world.
Family is at the heart of both Evangelical and Muslim life. For us, the family is often where faith is nurtured, values are passed down, and the love of Christ is lived out. Muslims hold similar beliefs—family is also central to their lives and faith.
Living together rather than thinking about events or programs is the key to deepening these relationships. That could mean sharing a meal, helping each other in need, or attending family celebrations. Through these everyday interactions, we begin to see how much we have in common.
For example, if your Muslim neighbor invites you to share in their Ramadan meal (iftar), it’s an opportunity to experience their faith in action and share how your faith shapes your family, too. These small, authentic moments can create bonds that open the door to deeper conversations about faith, family, and life.
Both Evangelicals and Muslims are passionate about serving others. Helping our neighbors is a way for us to live out Jesus’ command to love one another. Muslims also believe deeply in giving to the poor and caring for the community.
One of the best ways to build relationships is by working together for a cause bigger than ourselves. It’s not just about organizing a one-off service project but partnering over time to make a lasting impact. Whether working together on a community garden or a long-term meal program for those in need, these shared experiences create friendships while addressing real issues.
When we serve side by side, we see each other not as “the other” but as fellow humans striving for the common good. As those relationships grow, so does the opportunity to share how our faith motivates us to serve.
Hospitality runs deep in both Christianity and Islam. The Bible encourages us to welcome others as Christ welcomed us, and in Islam, hospitality is a key virtue. But going beyond surface-level politeness and truly practicing hospitality means opening our homes and hearts to one another.
Inviting a Muslim family for dinner or accepting their invitation during a holiday can be powerful. It’s more than just sharing food—it’s sharing your lives, stories, and faith experiences. When you sit down together, you break down barriers and build trust.
Instead of only hosting formal events, think about how you can invite your Muslim neighbors into the rhythms of your life—whether it’s sharing in a holiday meal, celebrating milestones, or just having an honest conversation about the challenges we all face. These simple acts of hospitality can lead to deep, meaningful relationships.
Of course, there are major theological differences between Evangelicals and Muslims. We believe Jesus is the Son of God and Savior of the world, while Muslims see Him as a prophet but not divine. These differences are important but don’t have to be obstacles to building meaningful relationships.
Respecting each other’s beliefs doesn’t mean watering down our faith. It means listening, asking questions, and sharing our beliefs with humility and love. It’s about finding common ground without losing sight of who we are in Christ.
For example, having a respectful conversation about who Jesus is in both Christianity and Islam can be an eye-opener for both sides. It’s a way to learn from each other while sharing the truth of the Gospel. By listening well, we can show that our faith in Christ leads us to love our neighbors—no matter their beliefs.
Building relationships with our Muslim neighbors takes time, effort, and a genuine desire to love them as Christ loves us. It’s not about trying to convert them immediately or winning theological debates. It’s about living out the Gospel in our everyday interactions—whether through serving, sharing meals, or simply listening with an open heart.
These relationships may not lead to immediate spiritual breakthroughs, but they do create space for trust, understanding, and honest conversations about faith. And through these connections, God can work in ways we may never expect.
Building relationships with our Muslim neighbors doesn’t require us to have all the answers or agree on everything—it requires us to lead with love. By focusing on what unites us—our commitment to family, our shared responsibility to serve, and our practice of hospitality—we can bridge gaps and create spaces where genuine friendships can flourish. These relationships, built on trust and mutual respect, can become powerful testimonies of Christ’s love. So, let’s step out in faith. Let’s be intentional about connecting, listening, and sharing our lives. In doing so, we reflect the very heart of the Gospel, showing the world that love, not division, has the final word.
The ideas in this article are mine, but AI assisted in writing the article.
Tim Orr is an Evangelical minister, conference speaker, and interfaith consultant with over 30 years of experience in cross-cultural ministry. He holds six degrees, including a master’s in Islamic studies from the Islamic College in London. Tim taught Religious Studies for 17 years at Indiana University Columbus and is now a Congregations and Polarization Project research associate. He has spoken at universities, including Oxford, and mosques throughout the U.K. His research focuses on American Evangelicalism, Islamic antisemitism, and Islamic feminism, and he has published widely, including three books.
