The religious version of network marketing is friendship and this is where Christian mission begins. Friendship that translates love for neighbors in general into particular knowing, appreciating, liking, and enjoying each new neighbor. The object then is not proselytization or conversion, but love.
Bringing new friends into our life, which includes Jews, Muslims, Hindus, Buddhists, New Agers, atheists, and agnostics.
It’s one thing to say you love humanity in general, whatever their religion; it’s quite another to learn to love this or that specific neighbor with his or her specific religion. Invite them into companionship over a cup of tea or coffee. Begin making friends, and ask them questions. Display unexpected interest in them, their traditions, their beliefs, and their stories. Learn why they left what they left, why they stay where they stay, and why they love what they love. Enter their world, and welcome them into your world, without judgment.
If they reciprocate, welcome their reciprocation; if not, welcome their non-reciprocation. Experience sociability. Let friendship grow into genuine neighborly love and let love take its course.
John 15:12-15 “This is my commandment: Love each other in the same way I have loved you. There is no greater love than to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you slaves, because a master doesn’t confide in his slaves. Now you are my friends, since I have told you everything the Father told me.”
