The Teachings of Christ

A few weeks ago, I sat captivated listening to Bob Gamble speak about life in Ukraine, Bob is a Presbyterian missionary who founded This Child Here, a ministry that works with children and youth on the streets in that country. More recently, in the face of the war, his ministry has shifted to help care for women and children who have fled from the more active war zones. He shared with us that war has progressed closer and closer – even now into the city where he lives. In fact, he shared a video of himself alongside the program director huddled in a closet as a Russian drone stuck 100 yards away… It sent chills up my spine…

I really can’t imagine what it would be like to live in a country that had been invaded by a foreign power. I can’t imagine what it would be like to live with that kind of fear – with a drone strike app on your phone and sirens prevalent throughout the day…

I often think about the Ukrainians fighting for a way of life… a way of life not unlike our own – a way of life that allows for a basic level of comfort and the freedom to live and work as you want. I think about them fighting for their families…

Yesterday, I reflected on the situation in the Middle East, and on our Christian response. I do realize that it’s much easier to reflect from an outside perspective. What if I was personally affected?

I know what Jesus said: To love our enemies and to pray for those who persecute us (Matthew 5:38-45). In my heart of hearts, I know Jesus is on to something. But if the Ukraine were my homeland… I don’t think I’d be turning the other cheek… If one of my daughters had been kidnapped or killed by Hamas, I can’t imagine I would feel any iota of love in my heart…

At the same time, I have given my life to following Christ. If that is true, then his teaching must hold something for me…And so, as I look at our war-torn world… the violence and brutality around us, at the same time I look also to the teachings of Christ.

I do personally believe that there are times when tough love is necessary. Times when evil builds a head of steam and has to be confronted; times when violent or abusive action has to be stopped. But I also know that if we allow hate or fear to drive us – if we allow anger or animosity to get the best of us – it will take our souls and even our humanity.

Let us pray: We struggle, O God, with the violence and heartbreak we see all around us. We want to respond. We want to help. And we want those who harm the innocent to be brought to justice. We pray for your Spirit to move in a mighty way.