The Inconvenient Truth

           This past week has been one in which United States collectively held its breath.  We were struck by tragedy after tragedy and it seemed to many of us like we were abandoned.  On Friday night, after I heard that the person responsible for the bombing in Boston had been captured I was instantly relieved.  Then, I began to think about him.

picture via Gnesio

            I put myself for a moment in his shoes.  This week has not only been terrifying for us, but also for him.  I am by NO MEANS condoning what he is accused of.  I am by NO MEANS defending his actions.  I am however, asking you to look at him as a human being.  This is a 19 year old guy, he is younger than I am, he is accused of a horrendous act, he was hunted down by thousands of police and SWAT, and he watched his brother die.  What brought him here?  Why did he do this? Are we in the right to hate him forever? While he needs to be brought to justice will we ever find forgiveness in our hearts?

            Matthew 5:44 reads, “But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.”  Our human nature is to wish ill to our enemies but God has given us a higher calling.  He has asked us to love our enemies and to pray for them.  This does not mean that we should just let everyone do whatever they want.  Love does not let you give in to your every desire; love calls you to be the best version of yourself. That my dear readers, is the inconvenient truth.

            So often in our society today we are told that love means “never having to say I’m sorry” and accepting everyone as they are.  But the Bible tells us that “love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth.  It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, it endures all things.”  Jesus teaches us that love does not rejoice in wrongdoing and it is not resentful.  He calls us to challenge each other to be better through our love.  He also calls us to forgive.

            So I know that tolerance is preached (unless you have an opinion differing that of the “majority”) but the truth is LOVE.  So love your enemy, pray for this man.  Do not pray that he is set free because God does believes in justice, but pray that he can find healing in God’s love.  Although this man has been led astray Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd is out looking for him and he loves him just as much as you and me.  Isn't that a good enough reason to send our prayers out?

           My prayers go out to all of those affected by the Boston bombing, the Texas explosion, and the MIT shooting.

           How have you been handling this week?  Is everyone ok?  Can you think of grudges you are holding, not just this week but in general? Suggestions? Comments? Questions? Drop me a line in the comments below.