The Killing of Osama Bin Ladin

Mea e 'ai e tatau ma le aso

"But I say unto you, That whosoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment: and whosoever shall say to his brother, Raca, shall be in danger of the council: but whosoever shall say, Thou fool, shall be in danger of hell fire." (Matthew 5:22)

These past few days, just about every television news channel, featured cover story on the "killing" of al-Qaeda leader Osama Bin Ladin.  The long search for the man seen as the "embodiment of evil" in the U.S. and much of the West was over.

Details of the killing spurred open response of relief and even celebration on the streets of America.  Several news anchor uncharacteristically displayed almost a  "Super Bowl" like victory support for how Bin Ladin had been tracked down and killed.

How ironic that as notorious as the record may have shown Bin Ladin as a serene and modest man who contained his ego so well in private company, would wind up a megalomaniac on the world stage.

But as alluringly dramatic as this story is displayed in world views, let us not forget to check our Christian views in light of these current events, less we fall guilty and in danger of judgment ourselves. 

Anger is a danger signal. When Jesus said, “But I tell you,” he was not doing away with the law or adding to it his own beliefs.  Rather, he was giving a fuller understanding of why God made that law in the first place. 

For example, when Moses said, “You shall not murder” (Exodus 20:13), Jesus taught, “Don’t even become angry enough to murder, for then you have already committed murder in your heart.” The Pharisees read this law and, not having murdered, felt righteous. 

Yet they were angry enough with Jesus that they would soon plot his murder, though they would not do the dirty work themselves. We miss the intent of God’s Word when we read his rules for living without trying to understand why he made them. 

When do you keep God’s rules but close your eyes to his intent?  Killing is a terrible sin, but anger is a great sin too because it also violates God’s command to love. 

Anger in this case refers to a seething, brooding heartfelt bitterness against someone.  It is a dangerous emotion that always threatens to leap out of control, leading to violence, emotional hurt, increased mental stress, and spiritual damage. 

Anger keeps us from developing a spirit that is pleasing to God.

Remember the word of our Lord, "But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you."  (Matthew 5:44)

Have you ever been proud that you didn’t strike out and say what was really on your mind?  If you answered yes.  Self-control is good, but Christ wants us to practice thought-control as well.  "Judge not, that ye be not judged."  (Matthew 7:1)  Jesus said we will be held accountable even for our attitudes.

Ia manuia,

failauga p. anoa'i