After hearing the news about Osama Bin Ladin, I was left wondering what the proper attitude should be regarding his demise. Many questions raced through my mind: Is it ever right to rejoice in someone's death? Is it within the boundaries of Christian character to take any amount of satisfaction at all in this particular man's death? Should I have been praying for this man's salvation? If Osama was the enemy of my countrymen, was he my enemy as well? If we are to love our enemies, according to the teachings of Jesus, is it right to cheer the death of someone who we were to have been showing love?
Here's where I stand right now. I believe God instituted government to punish evildoers. Our government did their job. I feel some amount of satisfaction that this man who plotted evil against innocents, has been brought to justice. I also feel some amount of sadness that Satan has deceived another soul and dragged that soul down to hell.
So, I'm happy that justice has been served, but I'll always will be sad when an unconverted soul is sent to pay the wages for their sins. What is the most Christ-like attitude regarding the death of Osama Bin Laden? I don't know, but I think it falls more on the side of sadness than gladness. ("Jesus wept", "Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing")
Thank you Jesus for showing love to your enemies, by offering yourself up to take the wrath against sin that was our debt to pay, and declaring all those that believe, to be righteous in your sight. I pray that the message of this Gospel would spread into the hearts of men and women all over the world.
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