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GLEANINGS FROM THE WORD Experiencing an extraordinary God in ordinary life Issue # 378 January 9, 2002 Our Response The situation in Afghanistan was on my mind yesterday. From several Christians I received an email with a picture of a map with Afghanistan blotted out, the implication being that we needed to destroy the country and everything in it. In the afternoon, I spoke with a Christian who had just returned from Pakistan/Afghanistan. As the representative of a Christian aid organization, he had been at the refugee camps, schools and other facilities. He had been meeting with Islamic moderates, as a Christian looking for ways the organization he works for could help. Sometimes in the midst of the patriotic fervour that accompanies a conflict like the one that has followed September 11, we tend to forget that there are people involved. I understand the desire to bring those who brought the World Trade Center to justice. It saddens me when we dehumanize the enemy so that it is easier to kill and destroy. When that happens we have become what we hate. If this is a just war as many believe, so be it. However as the conflict continues and in the aftermath of the fighting, let’s not forget who we are. We’re called to love our enemies and to pray for them. I have no doubt that many are praying for the soldiers on our side who are in harms way, and for President Bush and other leaders to have divine wisdom in dealing with the situation. Are we praying just as hard for those on the ground in Afghanistan, for them to know Christ or to stop the fighting so that more innocent lives are not destroyed? Are we cheering the death of the Taliban leadership or praying that they see the error of their ways and become our brothers in Christ? Do we ever stop and wonder about the fact that if we lived truly as the Bible calls us to live, much of this hatred would never have arisen? Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited. Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God's wrath, for it is written: "It is mine to avenge; I will repay," says the Lord. On the contrary: "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head." Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. Romans 12:14-21 NIV Until next time, don’t permit Satan the victory of becoming like those we are battling. Pray for all of those involved on both sides and consider what can be done in the way of reconciliation and in the aftermath of the war to show true Christian love to a desperate and hurting nation. God bless. Kevin To share your thoughts on this issue of Gleanings, or to share prayer concerns email us at corbin_writer@hotmail.com. or write us at : Gleanings From The Word, 114 Oak Street, Sherwood Park, AB, Canada, T8A 0V8 At Gleanings, we have a dedicated team of prayer warriors and all prayer concerns are kept strictly confidential. If you enjoyed this issue of Gleanings From The Word, email it, in its entirety, to a friend. For information on use of Gleanings in your church newsletter or other situations please visit the permissions page on our website
 © 2001 K.F. "Kevin" Corbin All Rights Reserved SUBSCRIBE TO GLEANINGS FOR FREE
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