Anyone paying any attention has recently witnessed a new boldness from many of the most verbal online atheists. A large number who declare that they think the "virus" of religion should be "eradicated" and "outlawed". Many are using the same phrases and language as if they were all reading off of the same sheet. Look closely. This is the language of totalitarianism and control; the language of those who abhor freedom of conscience; the language we usually behold in the most virulent forms of fundamentalism ... but do not be troubled: this really should not come as a surprise to anyone who is a Christian. It is what we were frequently told by our Lord that we should expect in this world. The natural man is hostile and at enmity with God and His people... but REMEMBER we were no different then they. SUCH WERE MANY OF US. And apart from the grace of God intervening, we would likewise be hostile to God his people. So let us, in return, pray for and do good to those who intend to persecute us. Perhaps God will be merciful and grant them repentance. This is not a Manichean "us vs. them" world... it is much more complex than that. Skeptics and atheists are not really our enemy at all, but fellow sinners, just like us, who need love, prayer and rescuing from the coming wrath.
"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' "But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. "For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? "If you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.Matt 5:43-48
"Let us never condemn the sin, then, that we see everywhere, without considering at the same time that if God had not checked us, we would have fallen as deeply as we see others have fallen." - John Calvin
RELATED ESSAYS
How Ought We to View Other Men's Sin? by John Calvin
Blessing and Persecution by Brian Schwertley
Praying for Enemies by Dr. John MacArthur
3 Ways to Pray for Our Enemies by Joe Carter
How to Handle Persecution - Acts 4, 8, 16 by Grace to You
Persecution and Prayer by Jonathan Masters
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