Love your enemies?

[brinley45cal]

Im not sure if im even in the right place if im not sorry,i didnt know what it would go under.

You know how the bible says to love your enemys?Im having a hard time with that.You know with the war going on and all these beheadings and things im having a hard time feeling any love for muslims or arabs in general.Here latley i have felt nothing but anger and hate torward muslims and arabs in general,and this last beheading was like the straw that broke the camels back.I feel like if the military would take me i would go over there right now,its like anytime i hear about or see an arab or muslim i just want to lash out.Im really having a hard time with having love for them.especially with this anger thats building up in me,its making me have a racial hatred torward these people.I know its not right but i cant help what im feeling you know what i mean?
Does anyone else feel this way? And what do i do or how do i cope with this?I know its hindering my relationship withthe lord but i just cant seem to get past it.HELP!

 

[Vollkommen Warrior]

For one, stop watching CNN or programs that feed your hate. They imbelish in these reports to advance ratings. Second, dont think of these nut cases as muslims as a group. Add them to the "Evil Nutcase" category plain and simple. Doing these two things makes it easier for me. It's not a lot but a start...

 

[Blessed-one]

i feel sad rather than angry.. sad that they can be so cruel and sad of the state the world is in. I suppose it's easier for me to not feel angry because i've no one i love who are over there. But on the other hand, it gives me the calm needed to pray for people involved in this war.

good advice from Sp0ck there. I think you might need to step back and spend some time with God, pray to Him to drain out your anger, and trust in Him to handle things.

[bible]Romans 12:19-20[/bible]

 

[Rafael]

I too struggle with the real problem today. Remember that the Bible says that the battle is not one of flesh and blood as much as it is spiritual forces in high places - such as the devil and his demons. There aren't enough prayer warriors willing to fight, I guess, and really spend time binding these powers in Jesus name in corporate prayer. If there was ever a time for the Church to get on its knees and pray, it is now. There is a verse that goes like this for those tht believe and trust in God:

2Ch 7:14 If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.

Eph 6:12 For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

 

[JulesM]

Please remember that not all Muslims and Arabs are the same, and that its a minority of extremists that are causing the hurt and pain. The KKK was called a 'christian' organisation - and I don't think anyone here would want to be associated with that.

Ask God to help you with the forgiveness issue. Its a big deal, and the freedom that comes with forgiving is amazing.

 

[rogsr]

Islamic fundamentalists misinterpret their scriptures just like Christians do. Don't forget about the Crusades, Holy Inquisition, etc., etc....These are like their Crusades. Their theological atrocity.

Also, there is a lot more that goes into making a terrorist than just being crazy. Like being illiterate, poverty, and so on.

If you are interested in healing your ill will toward muslims I would suggest reading a book on Islam (try the "Complete idiots guide to Islam", that's the one I read ). Islam is an Abrahamic religion, which means they believe in the God of Abraham. However, they have a different and, I believe, a twisted understanding of our awesome God. But their faith in God makes them our spiritual cousins if you will, not our enemies.

 

[MrsGnomeCrusher]

Everyone has good advice. I understand where you're coming from, brinley. There are so many emotions that go through you when all of this happens.

I like the advice of turning off the tv. I hardly watch it anymore. I found myself getting more angry and depressed and upset over the world events. I'm not saying you should tune yourself out of the world. I still keep up on everything through the internet. However, if you keep the tv on, you are constantly bombarded with the words and images that feed on hate.

I have to state that I also don't think all Muslims are like this. There are nut-jobs in every group, every religion. These people who are terrorizing the world is stating they won't rest "until Islam rule is back on earth." I understand your anger and the stereotyping, but it's like saying all Christians are off to shoot everyone who works in abortion clinics and such.

I think I'm past the anger stage where, liked Blessed-One, I just feel very sorry for them.

 

[scott29]

See my post titled 'Revenge?' under Deeper Fellowship. Hopefully it will help you.

God bless,
Scott

 

[brinley45cal]

Thank you everyone for all the great advice,mybe i do need to take a step back.I do seem to keep up with the news religiously.so mybe thats at least half the problem.
The thing about it is just because you dont keep up with it as much dosent make the problem or the situation go away you know?
But i do thank you guys are right,i should spend a little more time in the word and in prayer rather than watching and bonbarding my mind with all the mess going on in the world.Great advice thank you so much.God Bless.

 

[rainbowprism]

Imagine how Jesus felt during his time on earth. Here was the only man that had ever lived a perfect and sinless life and he had to put up with sinners and people like us.

 

[brinley45cal]

Imagine how Jesus felt during his time on earth. Here was the only man that had ever lived a perfect and sinless life and he had to put up with sinners and people like us.

I couldnt imagine,its heart breaking.

 

[Vollkommen Warrior]

No matter how old I get I will always be in awe of that. It was tragic yet perfect in every way. Think about it. How many times have any of us NOT turned the other cheek. I probably can't hold a candle to most people here with that temptation and Jesus was perfect, perfect in that regard. He says it is possible. He even says "BE PERFECT!" With encouragement!

 

[brinley45cal]

No matter how old I get I will always be in awe of that. It was tragic yet perfect in every way. Think about it. How many times have any of us NOT turned the other cheek. I probably can't hold a candle to most people here with that temptation and Jesus was perfect, perfect in that regard. He says it is possible. He even says "BE PERFECT!" With encouragement!

Well said.I might not be perfect right now,but im working on it,im getting there.

 

[TheMainException]

Give this anger up to God. Ask him to take it away. I understand some of the anger that you've got, I'm mad too. But don't let it turn your eyes red and bubble over. There are a lot of good Muslims and Arabs out there, they are just confused and brain washed. They have been taught to hate Christians. As Christians we want to show them as much love as we can and prove to them that we aren't the bad people that they think that we are.