Loving Our Enemies

Do good to those who despitefully use you.

I don’t think God was talking about allowing our enemies to KILL us. Standing idly by while the murderer is killing people next to you during a church service isn’t my idea of “loving” them. Forgive me, but I think love would demand that you love the person(s) enough, who are next in line to be killed, that you stop the murderer. By any means possible. Including lethal force.

My reading of the Scriptures reminds me that God gave direction to the people of Israel to FIGHT their enemies. God Himself actually fought the enemies of Israel. I believe it is not contrary to the will of God to defend ourselves and others from those who would kill us. I rather think it may be sinful to do nothing while people are being killed and injured by a purveyor of evil.

In the face of eminent threats against American lives and interests and a history of terrorism which has already taken the lives of many Americans and other, the killing of confirmed terrorist leader Qasem Soleimani ordered by President Donald Trump was the right decision. The assertion by some that this action will provoke the killing of Americans is a VERY weak argument. What would have happened if nothing had been done to top this hate-filled murderer? More attacks and taking of American lives was already being planned and staged by this terrorist leader. Not stopping him would have CERTAINLY cost more American lives.

I would go so far as to say (at the risk of near certain criticism) that it was the even the “Christian” thing to do. Preserving life and protecting Americans is part of the oath taken when President Trump assumed the office. It is his responsibility under God. Well, there, I have said it.

God speed, President Donald Trump.