This is a repost from the Alive Now blog.
Jesus set such a seemingly impossible standard when he said, "Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matt. 5). I've been all jumbled up inside since I heard that Osama Bin Laden had been killed. I felt relieved, but also sad. When I saw and heard the crowds of people cheering, I was uncomfortable. I was nervous this American response would stir up even more hatred and violence toward our country. During the night I had strange, disturbing dreams, and I woke up feeling tired and anxious.
I was worried about the current issue of Alive Now on "The Household of God," in which we hear the voices of people from all over the world, from several different religions all talking about how we are invited to a banquet where God is the host. What if, I worried, there's a backlash against the magazine because of these current events? (We were aware that the content of this issue would be challenging for some.) Then I remembered how we turn this magazine over to God as we begin to work on each issue, asking for God's guidance and wisdom as we gather and shape the content. Perhaps, I thought, this issue on "The Household of God" in some way represents what God wants to say to us today.
It makes sense that Osama Bin Laden's death would bring up emotions. 9/11 was an event of terror that brought trauma to an entire nation. And events such as Bin Laden's death bring the trauma back as if happened only yesterday. For me, it's brought back feelings of fear and sadness. I imagine that this event has stirred up a variety of responses in us all, especially for those who were directly affected by the attacks ten years ago and the wars since then.
Those of us who are Christ-followers have the example of Jesus, who set that seemingly impossible standard when he said, "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your your enemy.' But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:43-44). May the God of love guide us. And may we keep learning how to be Christ-followers, even as we seek our place in the world community.
Blessings,
Beth A. Richardson
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