Dear Christian Friend,

Christianity is based on the commandment: "Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these," yet many express hate towards others of a different religion.

My faith tells me to love everyone, yet I see many of my faith hating towards the Muslim community. I have always embraced and accepted everyone no matter what their race, religion, gender, or any other identifying features of a person.

It frightens me when innocent people of the Muslim religion are being targeted because of the extremists of the religion. Grouping these people together is toxic to everyone.

This past Sunday at church, we discussed the acceptance of Jesus Christ. Christianity has gotten a bad rap for not accepting outsiders. People come to church to connect with God, and some churches ignore them and treat them like an outsider. It is those people trying to connect, who are broken, who need Christ the most.

The sermon taught me more than anything that the people of Christian faith accept everyone no matter what they have done. Jesus forgives all of our sins, and we should never be one to judge another no matter what they have done.

So why judge those of another religion? There are so many religions out there and in the United States. Everyone has their right to practice whatever religion they please.

You may argue that Muslims were behind 9/11 and the recent Paris attacks--but only a small percentage of Muslims are extremists. Surveys show that a small percentage of Muslims have a favorable view of al-Qaeda. So if the majority are against al-Qaeda, why continue the stereotype?

The fear of terrorism has been on the rise since 9/11, and it's at its peak now. In the back of your mind is the picture of the twin towers burning, and what the media has portrayed of Muslims. Our fear of Muslims is turning into hate. Our hate is spurring a fear in Muslims, and soon could turn to hate. We have to remember that not all Muslims are terrorists.

When you come from a faith so full of love from the God you are worshipping, you should be a naturally loving person. His overall message is to love everyone, even your enemies. Even terrorist hate groups. Simply stopping yourself from grouping every Muslim a terrorist is a start.

What I want to tell all of you is that it is not too late to love the people around you, regardless of their sexual orientation, race, or religion. We all sin, and in the eyes of our Lord they are all equal. We all live on this Earth together, so why not make it more positive than negative? Be the change, and accept everyone.