Who are my Brothers and Sisters?

Many times Christians misunderstand whom is meant when Jesus says love your neighbor and love your brothers and sisters. As Christians we are called to love all people, whether they are fellow believers or are Muslim, Jewish, Hindu, or do not believe in God at all. By loving all people and treating everyone we come in contact with through genuine love we show them the love of Jesus Christ. It is important for us Christians to remember that our Lord Jesus loved all people, especially those who were outcasts, the lame, the crippled, the blind, tax collectors, and sinners. Therefore, we must follow the Lord's lead and love all people whomever and wherever they may be. Christian love does not shun or put down people because their faith or beliefs are different but it is a warm welcome and a brotherly kindness and care that is shown to strangers and friends alike. One must never force his faith on another person but be willing to teach and preach the word of God to his fellow man when he wishes to learn the message of salvation. We must always do our best to be inviting and not drive people away from the Cross of the Lord of Glory. Whether one is Christian or not, this should not affect how we treat them and love them. For it is by accepting all people for who they are where Christian brotherhood can come into affect most certainly. This does not mean that we have to necessarily agree with what others believe, but we must treat them with respect and not say that we are right and others wrong. Encourage one another to walk the way of Christ each day because this is how both fellow Christians and non believers will see the face of God. We also must remember that we do not know how people of other religions or even other Christians interact with God on a daily basis. A relationship with God is communal, but also very personal and by being non judgmental we can assure that we will not make enemies but only friends. Therefore, let the Holy Spirit guide you to speak and live the Gospel each day in order to love all your brothers and sisters. For Jesus calls us to live love and in order to do so we must be willing to love all people whether they are Christian or not. Many times we would be surprised at how close to God people are we just have to love them and give them a chance.