Wednesday, December 03, 2008

Horrors of Mumbai, Horror of the Cross-Response to Shmuley Boteach

"As for my Christian brethren who regularly quote to me Jesus' famous saying, "Love your enemies," my response is that our enemies and God's enemies are different parties altogether. Jesus meant to love those who steal your girlfriend, cut you off on the road or swindle you in a business deal. But to love those who indiscriminately murder God's children is an abomination against all that is sacred. Is there a man who is human whose heart is not filled with moral revulsion against terrorists who target a rabbi who feeds the hungry? Would God or Jesus ask me to extend even one morsel of my limited capacity for compassion to fiends rather than saving every last particle for their victims instead?" So writes Shmuley Boteach in the Jerusalem Post.

Love does not erase consequence nor wrath. While I certainly relate to the heart of the Rabbis' message, he at the same time misses the heart of Christianity. As seen in the life of King David, sin has consequences. The high standard is that each of us, even the most heinous, are created in God's image. However, "Each of us like sheep have gone astray, Each of us has turned to his own way; But the Lord has caused the iniquity of us all to fall on Him." Love seeks that they know the truth, and repent of evil. Consequences must be paid; either wrath was paid for and satisfied at the cross, or wrath will be suffered by the individual. Love shines brightly, it does not cover truth, nor erase consequences.

For a vivid, modern example of Christ-like love of one's enemies;
note the life, and death, of Graham Staines.

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