THE NEED FOR DISCERNMENT Series #3

Love in the Time of Politics
Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. 1 Corinthians 13:6

In recent news a pastor in Florida had announced he would burn copies of the Qur’an on September 11. He wanted to announce to radical Muslims that their hatred and violence toward the US would be met with the sharp rebuke of destroying what they held in high value. He did not follow through in the end.

In my point of view, that pastor, was not making a statement of faith in Christ but a political statement and perhaps at the same time making a declaration of faith in a civil religion. Basically what he did was use his position as a Christian minister to voice a sense of injustice. But he ended up reducing his faith to the level of the radical hatred of his opponents.

Here is a look at a more effective response:
(Love) is not conceited (arrogant and inflated with pride); it is not rude (unmannerly) and does not act unbecomingly. Love (God's love in us) does not insist on its own rights or its own way, for it is not self-seeking; it is not touchy or fretful or resentful; it takes no account of the evil done to it [it pays no attention to a suffered wrong]. It does not rejoice at injustice and unrighteousness, but rejoices when right and truth prevail. 1 Cor 13:5-6 (Amplified)

Note that the word “love” is described as “God’s love in us.” This is a good translation from the Greek word agape which can only be expressed by the Holy Spirit within us.
On our own strength as people we fall short of this class of prevailing, truth-producing, hope-satisfying, peace-making love.

A better response than burning Qur’ans would be to build a school for Muslim children or give wheelchairs to their disabled. The military has the duty through the government officials to confront the terrorists. Therefore we must pray for our national and military leaders. We must also pray for our enemies. We must pray that the Church represent the Kingdom of God effectively and not be bound up by political and personal agendas.

Discernment of truth and righteousness requires knowledge of the Word of God, inspired by the insights from the Holy Spirit, and confirmed in the Body of Christ. That is when the love we express will prevail.