How should pagans be treated according to the Bible?
Jesus commanded his followers to love their neighbors as themselves (Mark 12:31). This applies to pagans as well. Christians should seek to show love to pagans in practical ways, such as by helping them when they are in need or simply by being a good listener.
As a person of faith, it can be difficult to navigate how to treat those who do not share your beliefs. This is especially true for Christians, who are called to love their neighbors as themselves. But what does this mean for how Christians should treat pagans? In this post, we will explore what the Bible says about how to treat pagans and offer some guidance for how Christians can live out this commandment.
Who Are Pagans?
Before we dive into how to treat pagans, it's important to define who we are talking about. The term "pagan" is a broad one that can encompass a variety of different belief systems. In general, pagans are people who practice religions that are not monotheistic (that is, they do not worship one God). This can include followers of ancient religions like Greek or Norse mythology, as well as modern-day pagans who follow Wicca or other nature-based spiritualities.
How Should Christians Treat Pagans?
Now that we have a better understanding of who pagans are, let's turn to the question of how Christians should treat them. Here are a few key principles that can guide our interactions:
Respect: First and foremost, Christians should treat all people with respect, including pagans. This means treating them as fellow human beings who are worthy of dignity and kindness, regardless of their beliefs.
Love: Jesus commanded his followers to love their neighbors as themselves (Mark 12:31). This applies to pagans as well. Christians should seek to show love to pagans in practical ways, such as by helping them when they are in need or simply by being a good listener.
Avoid judgment: It can be easy to judge people who do not share our beliefs, but this is not what Jesus taught. In fact, he cautioned against judging others (Matthew 7:1-5). Christians should avoid making assumptions about pagans and instead seek to understand them and their beliefs.
Be a witness: While Christians should not force their beliefs on others, they can still be a witness to their faith through their actions. This means living out the love and respect that Jesus taught, even when it is difficult.
Engage in dialogue: Christians should be willing to engage in respectful dialogue with pagans about their beliefs. This can be an opportunity to learn from one another and to build bridges of understanding.
Conclusion
While we may not agree with the beliefs of pagans, we are still called to treat them as fellow human beings who are made in the image of God. By following these principles, we can build relationships with pagans that honor God and reflect his love for all people.