It's not supposed to be easy. Christ didn't give easy commandments. He forgave the soldiers actively killing him. I don't think I could do that.
I think it goes with the story of the good Samaritan. A man saves the life of someone who hated him. Others who were considered good men did not save the man. Who was the neighbor?
Instead, it's a way to look past the accusations, find a way to take care of the problem itself and share it with others. That's not an easy thing. Saul actively killed christians when God converted him. Naaman was captain of the enemy forces when he went to Elisha. When Elisha was surrounded by a host of the enemy, he prayed for them and asked God not to slay them. He then led them into captivity after blinding them.
The answer doesn't mean don't protect yourself or ignore the problem. Satan always gives false choices and says they are the only answers.
Not religious, but I always liked the idea of Christianity when I heard some priest or pastor or some such talk about Paul.
He said something like: "Paul persecuted and caused the deaths of many Christians, but all the saints and angels were rejoicing in Heaven when he repented and was saved".
Really made me appreciate what Christians are asked to do. Sure, nobody is perfect, many are Christian in name only, but the source of their faith is very pure and it's easy to see nothing that's horrible and done in the Christianitys name is because of the Bible. I can't say the same for some other religions.
It's not supposed to be easy. Christ didn't give easy commandments. He forgave the soldiers actively killing him. I don't think I could do that.
I think it goes with the story of the good Samaritan. A man saves the life of someone who hated him. Others who were considered good men did not save the man. Who was the neighbor?
Instead, it's a way to look past the accusations, find a way to take care of the problem itself and share it with others. That's not an easy thing. Saul actively killed christians when God converted him. Naaman was captain of the enemy forces when he went to Elisha. When Elisha was surrounded by a host of the enemy, he prayed for them and asked God not to slay them. He then led them into captivity after blinding them.
The answer doesn't mean don't protect yourself or ignore the problem. Satan always gives false choices and says they are the only answers.
Not religious, but I always liked the idea of Christianity when I heard some priest or pastor or some such talk about Paul.
He said something like: "Paul persecuted and caused the deaths of many Christians, but all the saints and angels were rejoicing in Heaven when he repented and was saved".
Really made me appreciate what Christians are asked to do. Sure, nobody is perfect, many are Christian in name only, but the source of their faith is very pure and it's easy to see nothing that's horrible and done in the Christianitys name is because of the Bible. I can't say the same for some other religions.