Quote from Forum Archives on September 11, 2002, 2:42 pm

Posted by: masinick <masinick@...>

Dear friends,

I would like to share with you today this week's edition of
Sowing Seeds of Faith. It comes at a time when television and
other media are once again bombarding us with reminders of what
happened one year ago today.

In this issue, Larry writes about his own feelings of revenge
against those who terrorized the World Trade Center and the
Pentagon last year. I think Larry's reaction is a natural one,
and I certainly would like to see dangerous criminals of any
kind brought to justice. As far as revenge, I believe that the
Bible is clear in what it teaches: "...Revenge is mine, I will
repay, saith the LORD". (the King James Version, Romans 12:19B).

I also believe that the kings and those who are in authority over
us are responsible for "taking up the sword", inflicting harm on
those who do wrong. So I believe there is room for protection of
our country and our people, and there is room for jails and wars
for those who do not uphold what's right and true. Yet when it
comes to you and me as individuals, I believe it is right to pray
for everyone, good and bad alike, that God may yet find a way to
bring healing and reconciliation, maybe even to those who have
done horribly wrong things.

When I look at my own life, I could attempt to justify my life in
this way or that, but according to God's standard, I find myself
coming up way short. I, too, have done horribly wrong things in
the sight of God. It is only by grace that I can even begin to
enter His Presence, but BECAUSE of His Amazing Grace, I will be
able to enter into His Presence, and He will call me His Own
because I acknowledge that my citizenship and rights come from
Christ, not from my own deeds.

Today I am here as a worker in the Name of Christ, and I seek to
do His will. That is what I believe my life is all about. My
role is to be a witness to others for the sake of Christ. That
involves surrender on my part - surrender of my own will and my
own way. Revenge and getting even are things best left to God.
Therefore, yes, I will, and I do pray for others, even those
whose lives are evil examples of how not to live.

Your Brother in Christ,
Brian

We receive a lot of mail at Sowing Seeds Ministry. Occasionally,
I find a letter that needs to be shared with all of our readers.
This one seemed appropriate as part of our response to the
tragedy of 9/11. May we never forget the horror of that day but
may we always look for ways to honor those who sacrificed their
lives. God bless you. Larry Davies

Sowing Seeds of Faith...

"Ask Larry: 9/11, Terrorists and Forgiveness" Larry Davies

"Rev Davies, how do you feel about forgiving the terrorists from
9/11? The question came up in our Sunday school class and our
pastor said we should forgive them. One lady said she didn't see
how we were supposed to do that? Another person said since they
were dead they couldn't ask for forgiveness and therefore, it
was not a problem. I was just curious where you stood." God
Bless, Margaret.

Margaret: One of my favorite photographs displays several
American fighter jets lined up in formation, loaded with bombs
and guns aimed forward. The caption underneath asks, "Can Osama
come out and play?" This picture accurately describes the
revulsion most Americans feel toward Osama bin Laden and
terrorists in general. We don't want to see him merely
captured... that would be far too humane.

What I really desire is to repeatedly watch a television news
highlight video from the nose of a smart bomb as it streaks
toward bin Laden's headquarters. As he sits there smiling and
laughing with his buddies, I want to see the bomb fly directly
through the front door and detonate in the middle of the group.
We could then rename the ruins "Revenge of 'Ground Zero!'"
Wouldn't that be appropriate?

I know. I know, it's not what a preacher is supposed to say but
that's how I honestly feel!

Biblical writers weren't shy about expressing hatred toward the
enemy: "...blow them away like whirling dust, like chaff before
the wind! As a fire roars through a forest and as a flame sets
mountains ablaze, chase them with your fierce storms; terrify
them with your tempests. Utterly disgrace them until they submit
to your name, O Lord." (Psalm 83:13-16) Did this writer know
Osama and his gang?

The desire for vengeance is a natural reaction when we are
wronged. "Don't get mad... get even!" Clint Eastwood as "Dirty
Harry" mumbles as he points his gun at a bad guy: "Go ahead
punk... make my day!" Sly Stallone would never mention
forgiveness. So why should we? Why? Because Jesus expects
better... revenge may seem sweet but it's definitely not
Christ-like. Here are a few examples:

. Peter asked Jesus, "Lord, how often should I forgive
someone who sins against me? Seven times?" "No!" Jesus replied,
"seventy times seven! (Matthew 18:21-22)

. Jesus taught this prayer: "...and forgive us our sins,
just as we have forgiven those who sinned against us." (Matthew
6:12, The Lord's Prayer)

. "Dear friends, never avenge yourselves. Leave that to
God." (Romans 12:19)

Forgiving someone seven times seems generous but seventy times
seven is unthinkable. Yes, we say in the Lord's Prayer how Jesus
forgives our sins so we should forgive others but that's just a
prayer. Isn't it? It doesn't mean anything... does it? Leave
vengeance to God? No way! God's too merciful.

Jesus tells of a servant forgiven a huge debt by his king. When
the same servant has an opportunity to forgive someone a minor
debt he chooses punishment. The king finds out and is outraged.
"I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. Should
you not have had mercy on your fellow servant as I had mercy on
you?" In anger the king sends him to the torturer..." (from Mat.
18) Ouch, that hurts!

In other words, God will take care of Osama bin Laden but how
will you take care of your attitude? An attitude of forgiveness
is a critical part of our faith. An unwillingness to forgive
only hurts you. So, to help you, here are four necessary
ingredients for forgiving hearts all beginning with the letter
P.

Process: Forgiveness is seldom a one-time event. You work on it
one day and one decision at a time.

Prayer: Your focus on God through a life of prayer will always
be a determining factor for forgiveness.

Persistence: A forgiving attitude is a combination of hard work
and perseverance. Don't give up.

Promise: Your benefits for forgiving others are numerous
including better health and a solid eternity.

Mary Jo Uplinger wrote a devotional article with the title:
"Forgiveness is like spinach. You might not like the taste but
it is good for you." Could that be the critical lesson, Jesus is
striving to teach each of us? Forgiving someone like Osama bin
Laden may be the most difficult process we ever undertake but
with fervent prayer and dogged persistence we can strive toward
the true promise of Christ... heaven.

If you like this devotion you will love the book: "Breaking the
Peanut Butter Habit: Following God's Recipe for a Better Life"
now on sale only through this website. Click here for more
information: www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/peanbutt.htm

Join our prayer ministry by clicking here:
www.sowingseedsoffaith.com/sign-up.htm

Jesus said: "You are the light of the world--like a city on a
mountain, glowing in the night for all to see. Don't hide your
light under a basket! Instead, put it on a stand and let it
shine for all." (Matthew 5:14-15)

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Brian Masinick, mailto:masinick@yahoo.com
Home page: www.geocities.com/masinick/

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