On the tenth anniversary of 9/11, we are once again reminded of the most traumatic event to happen to our country during my generation. Ever since that day, we’ve struggled with how to heal as a nation and come to terms with the evil that exists in the world. There were many different ways we could have responded to the world’s worst terror attack, and we answered with ‘shock and awe.’

76% of Americans call themselves Christians, so most of us know we’re called to love our enemies. Immediately after such a horrendous act, to suggest we should simply ‘love our enemies’ sounds naïve, sanctimonious, and can even come across as offensive. Perhaps, with the passage of time, we can look back to Matthew 5: 43 and try to understand that seemingly incomprehensible command.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of our Father in heaven.” (more…)