How Christians Should Treat Unbelievers

Christians are to be humble, kind, and loving to all people, especially those of the family of God. Jesus said, "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy. But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust." (Mt.5:43-46)

God is kind, and he shows mercy to all of us, including the unbeliever. Since God shows such kindness to unbelievers, shouldn't his children do the same? And how do we as Christians persuade unbelievers to trust Christ if we project an attitude of cold indifference?

Christians should reflect Christ in everything they do. In the fourth chapter of John, the woman at the well was considered an unclean pagan by the Jews yet Jesus initiated a conversation with her. She had been married five times and wasn't married to the man she was living with which was seriously looked down upon by the people of that era.

Nevertheless, Jesus looked away from this to her soul. He wasn't interested in what was going on in her life or her past life. He was only interested in her future. She kept trying to change the subject but Jesus kept bringing it back around in a kind and gentle way. He is the invisible image of the invisible God (Col.1:15) yet he cared for this sinner who had no idea that she was talking to King of Kings.

In Luke chapter 7, Jesus was reclining with a Pharisee when a woman came and anointed his feet with ointment, wiping them with her hair. The Pharisee thought to himself, if this man were a prophet, he would have known who and what sort of woman this is who is touching him, for she is a sinner. Jesus knew what the Pharisee was thinking and could have easily put him in his place and embarrassed him.

But Jesus is kind and compassionate. Instead, he told a story about two men who owed a lender. One owed a little and the other owed a lot. The Lender forgave both debts. Jesus asked the Pharisee which of the two would be more grateful. The Pharisee answered, "The one who owed the most." Jesus said, "The one who is forgiven much, loves much."

The Pharisee had received very little forgiveness, if any, for his sins because in his mind he didn't sin, and he showed very little compassion towards God or people. The point is that even though the Pharisee was not a believer, Jesus was kind and compassionate towards him.

Therefore, since Jesus was kind towards unbelievers, we should do the same. After all, he died for Christians while they were yet sinners; and since none of us knows whether or not an unbeliever will eventually come to the knowledge of the truth, it's important that we make an effort to be kind to all.

Being kind doesn't mean that Christians should go to rock concerts or strip clubs and invite unbelievers to their homes for dinner. It simply means that we should be polite and courteous to all people, even those we know are unbelievers. If they need help, we should help. If they need a friend, we should be a friend. Jesus was known as the friend of sinners.

Those who call themselves Christians yet turn their noses up at those who haven't come to the knowledge of the truth are not behaving like true Christians. In the third chapter of Titus, Paul said that we are to show perfect courtesy to all people

"For we ourselves were once foolish, disobedient, led astray, slaves to various passions... But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of works done by us in righteousness, but according to his own mercy, by the washing of regeneration and renewal of the Holy Spirit, whom he poured out on us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior."

Christians are to be a reflection of Christ and those who treat unbelievers with contempt are not reflecting the love which he had for them when they were lost. Unbelievers should be able to see Jesus through us and when we reflect arrogant coldness, unbelievers are not receiving the correct image of Christ.

So if you're a Christian, let the love of Christ emanate from you to all whose paths you cross. Show the unbeliever the goodness, kindness and compassion that are in Christ. Let your light so shine before the world so that all will see that you indeed belong to the Lord.