Boston

I thought I would respond to a question I received about the Boston tragedy, bombing, evil act, terrorism, or you can use another description you think best represents what occurred... 
 

The question was about Islam versus Christian terrorists. This is not a post condemning Islam or Muslims. I do not have sufficient knowledge to comment on their faith. However, I do believe, I can comment coherently about Jesus Christ.

I'll offer that people who rape, rob, pillage, plunder, and kill in the name of Jesus Christ are misguided in their belief. Christians make mistakes, sometimes horrible mistakes in the name of Jesus Christ. I have yet to hear Christian leadership advocate or condone evil acts. If an evil act or terror was committed in the name of Jesus Christ, especially today, I speculate Christian leaders would defend Jesus Christ (not that Jesus needs defending) by publicly condemning said evil acts.   

When Christ followers struggle and fail to follow His commands, our feebleness and humanity does not endanger our salvation. Christians act selfishly far too often than they sacrifice. Jesus said, "No one can serve two masters." However, it seems Christians spend a great deal of energy trying to prove Jesus wrong that we can indeed have both "the things of God" and "the things of this world". And yet, Jesus pursues you because He loves you. He pursues you because He knows you. Jesus pursues you because He is serious about you. He died for you.

Jesus does not advocate violence as witnessed when He healed the ear Peter cut off or when He begged for our Father to forgive those who crucified Him. Jesus commands His followers to forgive their enemies. To pray for their enemies. To love those who hate them.

From Romans 12:14-21...

Bless those who persecute you. Don't curse them; pray that God will bless them. Be happy with those who are happy, and weep with those who weep. Live in harmony with each other. Don't be too proud to enjoy the company of ordinary people. And don't think you know it all. Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable. Do all that you can to live in peace with everyone. Dear friends, never take revenge. Leave that to the righteous anger of God. Instead, "If your enemies are hungry, feed them. If they are thirsty, give them something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals of shame on their heads. Don't let evil conquer you, but conquer evil by doing good.

Humility precedes the acceptance of Jesus Christ as your Savior. Pride keeps you from the love, mercy, forgiveness, and salvation Jesus Christ offers. You are saved by faith, by believing in your heart that Jesus Christ died a criminal's death, was raised from the dead, ascended to the right hand of God, and will come again to judge the world bringing a new Heaven and new earth.

I acknowledge, as a Christ follower, that my words and my behavior do not always honor and glorify Jesus Christ as my Savior. Have a good and godly day.