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“This Is Our Message: To Show Love In Action,” Lebanese Christians Reach Out To Shiite Muslims

by Karen Faulkner, Worthy News Correspondent

(Worthy News) – Often overcoming fear and suspicion, Christians in Lebanon are reaching out to help Shiite Muslims who have been displaced amid Israel’s ground invasion of southern Lebanese areas suspected of housing the Shiite Hezbollah terror group, Christianity Today reports exclusively.

An estimated 1.2 million out of Lebanon’s population of six million people have now been displaced. Most of those displaced are Shiite Muslims who are viewed with suspicion for possible involvement with Hezbollah. “Within these realities, Christians are eager—and cautious—to help. Gospel commitments and national solidarity require hospitality,” CT said in its report.

“Sectarian guardedness encourages suspicion. And Israel’s bombing campaign creates fear that welcoming the displaced might make them a target. Many are helping anyway,” CT noted.

Granting anonymity for security reasons, CT spoke with the pastor of a southern Lebanese church that is currently sheltering 100 people. “This is our message: to show love in action as we lead people to Christ,” the church’s pastor said. “As they receive, we teach them to give.”

A local assistance coordinator, a member of the Druze Muslim community, told CT: “The church is number one in providing help, while some other groups say they are helping but are mostly just talk.”