What To Do With Enemies

Yesterday U.S. troops killed Osama Bin Laden. Today I wear black in mourning.

I mourn for this false sense of justice that the American people have. The troops were sent to kill a man. Not to capture him. To kill him. The notion of putting him on trial to prove his guilt was not an option here.

I mourn for the woman who was used as a human shield. She died in the incident.

I mourn for the one who had to pull the trigger, shooting Bin Laden in the eye.

I mourn for those who think that this death will bring peace.

I mourn for the people in the streets of New York, in front of the White House and at a baseball game who let out shouts of joy at the news.


I turn to Scripture to seek answers.

Matthew 5:44-45: "But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be children of your Father in heaven; for he makes the sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the righteous and on the unrighteous."

Proverbs 24:17-18: "Do not gloat when your enemy falls; when they stumble, do not let your heart rejoice, or the LORD will see and disapprove and turn his wrath away from them."

Ezekiel 18:23: “Do you think that I like to see wicked people die? says the Sovereign Lord. Of course not! I want them to turn from their wicked ways and live."

Matthew 5:38: "You have heard that it was said, 'An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.' But I say to you, Do not resist an evildoer. But if anyone strikes you on the right cheek, turn the other also; and if anyone wants to sue you and take your coat, give your cloak as well; and if anyone forces you to go one mile, go also the second mile. Give to everyone who begs from you, and do not refuse anyone who wants to borrow from you."

Luke 6:37: "Do not judge and you will not be judged; do not condemn and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven."


Killing Osama was the easy way out. It's easier to pull a trigger than it is to look our enemy in the eyes and discern what is just. The conflict does not end with his death. If anything, it perpetuates the brokenness of humanity.