USA and the rest of the world were jubilant when the announcement was made by President Obama that Osama Bin Laden was killed by American soldiers. But the world needs to be careful not to see this action as an exercise of revenge; but rather, justice.
Justice is a God-given attribute that allows the world to carry out even some extreme acts for the well-being and protection of the innocent. In that sense, we all should work to that end.
But revenge is something totally different. Revenge is born out of the sin of unjustifiable anger and hatred. Revenge glorifies in acts of brutality and murder. It lays aside all things that are good and righteous in order to carry out its own evil deeds. It is a selfish motive to simply get even at all costs. It thrives on prejudice and hatred; which are its motivations.
However, justice is completely different. It regrets exacting punishment, but realizes that it must succumb to a higher value that involves the well-being and safety of all. It exhausts every other possibility before taking extreme action. It grieves its final recourse, even though it realizes that nothing else could be done. It is not easy to do.
Revenge is a trap of one counter attack after another - revenge upon revenge. Mahatma Gandhi (1869-1948) said, "An eye for an eye makes the whole world blind."
The trap of revenge causes a festering of hatred that spawns an endless spree of destruction, with the innocent always caught in the middle. God help us all, when countries of the world choose hatred over justice, and revenge over peace; because revenge takes away all hope of freedom and peace.
Before rushing into a time of jubilation over the killing of Osama Bin Laden, spend some time in solemn prayer before God. Remember: Jesus died for justice, not revenge. The Bible says: "Vengence is mine; I will repay," says the Lord.
Blessings,
Pastor Leo
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