I have never watched the news report on the murder of the three men who worked at a Bible publishing house in Turkey till today.
What I saw outraged me, but at the same time I was soberly reminded of the proper Christian response when I saw how the wives of two of the murdered men said they have forgiven the perpetrators.
But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you.
Luke 6:27-28
Realizing that I am to forgive those who do wrong against me is one thing, while it still remains to be seen if I’d be able to do exactly that if a similar incident should happen to me one day.
It also does put things into perspective, doesn’t it?
For most of us who are blogging away on our computers in peace and safety from active persecution, what is one little setback in life, really? And I should be ashamed that I had the gall to think the worst and bemoan my lack of faith!
Yet for our fellow Christian brothers and sisters who live in daily fear of being caught for simply being Christians and where professing their faith openly could cost them their livelihood and lives, what significance are the small little setbacks that we ourselves face in our lives?
I have been greatly humbled today.
Shalom Aleichem.
HT: Michelle Malkin.
Picture taken from the same story.
Tags: Faith, Forgiveness, Humility, Islam, Murder, Persecution, Setbacks, Turkey
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Et tu, Casey?!
I pretty much like her blog, really, after discovering it a good while ago, and it has been in my bookmarks folder since.
As for the statement on her beauty and intelligence, I totally agree she’s quite attractive and very intelligent.
God bless, and Shalom! -
Jesus calls them blessed when we are persecuted. If we are being persecuted, it is a sign that we are a threat to satan’s kingdom.
I am reminded of the Australian missionary, Graham Staines and his two sons, were burnt alive by a frenzied mob of hindu fanatics in Manoharpur, Orrisa, India.
Mrs Staines said, “My husband and our children have sacrificed their lives for this nation [India]; India is my home. I hope to be here and continue to serve the needy.”
Graham’s daughter, Esther said, “I praise God that He found my father worthy to die for Christ”
It’s moving to see such dedication…
Sidharth
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Indeed it is, Sid!
Reading such brave testimonies really does change my perspective of my Christian life. Like I mentioned, I have been truly humbled today and think “oh, what a brat I’ve been!” for being so discouraged as I’ve spoken to you about over MSN/Google.
I’ve never read about Graham Staines; will try looking it up.
God bless, and Shalom!
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We all have moments when things are put in proper perspective. I think I prefer it when God gives me gentle reminders like these.
Not that they were gentle for the ones that actually received them, but they certainly are for us, that have it relatively easy. The worst persecution I’ve received, I pretty much brought on myself, by attempting to take on a few atheists and/ or agnostics. Can’t say that’ll stop me though. Blessings to you, my friend, and I’m glad you’ve gotten a dose of perspective. -
Dear Shalene,
I’ve actually taken on Mormons here face-to-face, lol! They are becoming a rather active force here in Singapore of late; I’ve been seeing a lot more of Mormon missionaries than in previous years.
As for the perspective… heh! I, too, am glad that I now have a healthy dose of it.
Thank you for also being straight and direct with your comment to my whine post.God bless, and Shalom!
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Forgive our enemy is not a simple thing to do. So much of hurting and heartbreaking moment. But I believe God’s power to able us to forgive our enemy. I experienced it before and now that ‘enemy’ is my friend. heehee.
God is great!
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Welcome, and thank you for visiting my blog, Stephanie, and sharing your thoughts on this.
It definitely isn’t easy to forgive one’s enemy and for me it took an extremely long time to do so in one case.
That’s an amazing testimony there, from enemy to friend! Wow! God is indeed great! Perhaps one day you should share it.
Just been to your blog and it’s really quite interesting. I especially liked your post “Pray for His Finances”. Keep up the good work!God bless you and your family.
Shalom!
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