So, we got Bin Laden. America rejoices over our fallen enemy. I had mixed feelings. Obviously this guy was responsible for many lost lives. Many, many lost lives. I thought about those who lost loved ones in the 9/11 attack, and I wanted to ask them how they felt now. I guess they would say what most would: Justice is served. Now I can move on. My response: seems silly to wait ten years to move on, waiting for justice to be served.
I know the thought of forgiving someone like Bin Laden seems crazy. How could we forgive him? He attacked our country. He killed many people. However, here's something to make you think: God loved him too. Right? The Bible says that God doesn't want anyone to perish. Does that include Bin Laden? Hitler? It must. If you asked around, most people would probably believe that people like that deserve to burn in hell for all eternity. But who are we to say such a thing? Justice is the Lord's. Not ours.
What about you? Do you have a Bin Laden in your life? Hopefully nobody has hurt you as seriously as this man hurt others. But I've noticed that a lot of Christians just won't forgive. And they remain bitter. Angry. They won't move on. Not until justice is served anyway. But c'mon, even after you receive your justice, does that really make it any better? Those people didn't get their loved ones back the moment Bin Laden was killed. The pain and the loss remains. So much for justice. We can choose to move on, before we receive our justice. We can choose to move on, if we never receive our justice. We can choose to move on, every day, despite the pain. And guess what? The Bible tells us to.
I heard this one man talking about how he loves to get into car accidents, especially when it's not his fault. Weird right? He spoke of his latest accident (which wasn't his fault) and he was simply giddy with joy as he jumped out of his car towards the person who hit him. Why was he so happy? Because he got to look that person in the face, tell them that he is not angry with them, that he forgives them for wrecking his car, and that he loves them because God loves them. And he would pray with them. These people were shocked. In comparison, I also heard recently a Christian speak of their latest car accident, where they proceeded to cuss the person out for hitting them. Which one shows God's love for people more? Yeah.
So if you have unforgiveness in your life, I encourage you to work past that and forgive that person. Because God loves them too, and he wants to redeem them. He also wants to use you, and it's difficult to be used when there's bitterness and anger built up inside. You may be thinking, 'But you don't know what they did to me! You don't understand!' No, YOU don't understand. We are God's! We are redeemed and chosen and loved! Whatever they did to you, it does not change who you are in Christ. There is healing. Not to mention... "and forgive us our debts as we forgive our debtors..." Matthew 6:12. We are to forgive people as we want God to forgive us! Think about that! You're probably feeling uncomfortable about that verse if you are not forgiving someone. What if God refused to forgive a sin of yours? Exactly. We need to forgive others. Because Jesus is love, and we are Jesus to the world.
