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Posts by Galatians5.22-23

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  • Slaying of 4 may be tied to (Islamic) religious extremism (NJ Christian family had throats slit)

    01/27/2005 4:22:51 AM PST · 735 of 735
    Galatians5.22-23 to mrfixit514

    I do not discount the evil of radical Islamists, but all those who call themselves Christians of any kind should remember the words of Jesus:
    Matthew 5:43 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

    If you do not fight hate with love, you may find Jesus saying something else about you on judgment day: ‘I never knew you. Away from me, you evildoers!’ (Matthew 7:23).

    Over and over again the New Testament reaffirms Jesus teaching about loving our enemies. This battle will not be won by hate. It is a spiritual battle and those who resort to hate rather than love show that they have been captured by the devil to do the devil's will, because the devil's goal is to get Christians to depart from the teaching of Jesus by hating their enemies.

    Pray that the police may capture the perpetrators of this terrible crime and that the state will deal with them justly, but love the Muslims in your neighborhood. This is the way of Jesus.

    Sincerly,
    A Christian pastor