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NASB | 1 Corinthians 16:14 Let all that you do be done in love. |
AMPLIFIED 2015 | 1 Corinthians 16:14 Let everything you do be done in love [motivated and inspired by God's love for us]. |
Subject: Violence against innocent Arab Americans |
Bible Note: These acts are NOT what Jesus would do. In fact, Christ's one act of anger that we see portrayed in the gospels was against, not Gentiles, but the Jewish religious establishment. He overthrew the moneychangers' tables for unscrupulous business practices in the temple. And NO ONE died at that event. As individuals, we should do everything that we do in love. Christ said that the one overall characteristic whereby people would know that we are Christians would be love. Christ said that all of the commandments are summed up in love - love for God and love for others. In our personal lives, we are to let the love of Christ flow through us to others regardless of race, religion, political affiliation, social status, or any other perceived barrier. As a nation, we will have to see justice done for the acts of terrorism that have beseiged our country. Exactly how and when that is implemented is a decision of our collective government. Terrorism must be stopped in this country, even is it means executing people like Timothy McVey or these terrorists responsable for last Tuesday. But this is the government's responsibility. As individuals, God calls us to be a light in a dark world. The question I have is this...one of the principles that our country was founded upon is the freedom of religion. We know that people came to these shores seeking freedom from a 'state sanctioned' religion. However, should a religion that sanctions violence be allowed to be practiced here? Some radical sects of Islam do believe that if you're not of the Islam faith, then you should be exterminated. Some radical sects of Christianity, who hold to the name of Christ, believe that it is OK to shoot abortion doctors. Probably every major religion in the world has some extreme segment that believes in justifiable extinction of those who do not hold to their belief system. I, for one, feel that this is an atrocity, and should NOT be tolerated in this country no matter who or what label they wear. As long as different religions and faiths respect human life and can practice their beliefs in peace, I would welcome all to these shores. What better opportunity to share the gospel? But, if any religion or faith, even so-called Christians, decides that other people need to die if they won't convert, then I believe those sects and people should be tried by our government as criminals and/or expelled from this country. Let's not drag Christ's name through the mud. It is the only name given among men whereby we can be saved. Let's band together against violence and leave the sword of justice in the arm of government where it belongs. |