JAMES ROBISON — After 9/11, a New York Times reporter asked me, “How do we respond to such blatant attacks?”

I replied that we must resist and overcome the enemy by fighting on two fronts: first, with the strongest military in human history, both defensively and offensively. We cannot allow the enemies of freedom to triumph over us.

Second, we should overcome forces of evil with the greatest release of love in human history. The reporter seemed confused. To her, these tactics stood in opposition to each other.

“It is not a contradiction,” I explained. “We have an opportunity now, and we will have even more in the future. There are multitudes throughout the world, especially in developing countries, who need a friend — someone to care. America must show that we are not interested in exploiting other people’s resources, but rather in helping develop the greatest resource: people. We must look for opportunities to extend our hands and open our hearts to help improve their lives. Our government, our businesses and our individual citizens must seek ways to demonstrate the goodness of America to the hurting people of the world.”

The reports that poured in following the devastating 6.3-magnitude earthquake that killed more than 30,000 Iranians in December 2003 included encouraging testimonies of proactive love. Who would have imagined that Iran, referred to as part of the “Axis of Evil,” would welcome a helping hand from America, often referred to as the “Great Satan”!

On the short list of America’s enemy states, Iran would certainly rank in the top five, challenging North Korea for the top spot. But Jesus said, “Love your enemies” (Matthew 5:44), and America chose to demonstrate love for the people of the nation perceived as an enemy. The magnitude of this gesture should not be underestimated. If ever there was a “right thing” to do, this was it.

One of the first groups to reach the ruinous city of Bam, Iran, came from Alabama. Iranian helpers saw the words Alabama Disaster Relief stenciled on the side of supply crates and read it as Ala, similar to their word for God; Ba, their word for with and ma, meaning us. The Iranians translated Alabama Disaster Relief to mean “God-with-us Disaster Relief.” The impression of Americans bringing God to their aid speaks louder than any speech, commentary or treaty. It is life and love undeniable.

America should pursue such opportunities. Everywhere we see people suffering, we must strive to alleviate the pain. Throughout the last century, this has been one of the most powerful characteristics of our nation. Indeed, compassion could be the greatest weapon in our arsenal, because it so effectively encourages peace

In the coming days and months, we will have many opportunities to love our enemies. While we can never embrace policies or actions that suppress the life and liberty of individuals, we can love those with whom we disagree. We can look for opportunities to bless the people who curse, as the Bible instructs us (Matthew 5:44).

Compassion works. It does not always happen overnight, but ultimately love conquers all.

Further reading: Matthew 5:38-48.

Prayer

Lord Jesus, Your standards for us are high. The world teaches us to hate and destroy our enemies, but You say to love them, bless them and pray for them. This is so counter to what our hearts tell us to do. Remake our hearts, Lord. Give us Your heart so that we can move with love toward those who hate us. As You give us strength and opportunity to bless them, change their hearts toward us as well. Bring peace where there is hostility, unity where there is division. I do pray for our enemies. Lord, You see the anger and bitterness in their hearts. Reveal Your love to them and bring Your transforming healing. You alone are able to make something good tomorrow out of the evil that pervades today.

From James Robison, The Soul of a Nation: 30 Days, 30 Issues, 30 Prayers (Thomas Nelson, 2008).
Used by permission.