There has been a lot of hatred and fear expressed toward Muslims since the Paris attacks reminding the world all too clearly of the twin towers on 9/11. The rhetoric goes something like this: “I’d bomb the hell out of them and take their oil.” Donald Trump
For a minute, at least, I confess that I too thought as I am sure many did, “yeah, that makes total sense Donald”. Then I was convicted by the Spirit of our Lord Jesus with these words, “love your enemies” (see the beatitudes in Matthew ch. 5). I still complained, “How could this be Lord? They are killing Christians, beheading them. What will this world be like for my grandchildren?”
I woke the following morning with a totally revised viewpoint. I realized I must blog this and clear out my mind, allow Jesus to entirely renew my viewpoint. My cousin John, a teacher who taught and speaks often of a wonderful Muslim girl now a young woman. He always took the Lord’s own viewpoint, as did his father regarding racism and the love of God for all. 1
I need to discipline myself to love others, and not base my viewpoint on fear. Rather I need to reach out to share the good news of Jesus, as we see in this video posted on Facebook by my Christian friends. This Muslim woman accepted Jesus on the premise of his view on loving all men. It added the much-needed dimension as I write now. Wow, I hope you can see the truth that fear destroys peace, and just creates confusion in our lives. Love is the answer. 2
“For the Spirit God gave us does not make us timid, but gives us power, love and self-discipline”. (2 Timothy 1:7 NIV)
1 John, my much-loved cousin who always visited my mother over the years, though he may not profess Jesus, advocates for loving all men by quoting the scriptures of Jesus to me. Thanks, John. I am grateful.
2 See also; The Manifesto of God’s Love