Re: Matthew 5:43-44---If everyone followed this Biblical counsel that Jesus gave--?

Question

Could tragedies like this be avoided?

In the news:
Suicide rate in Army at a 26-year high
By PAULINE JELINEK, Associated Press Writer1 hour, 29 minutes ago

Ninety-nine U.S. soldiers killed themselves last year, the highest rate of suicide in the Army in 26 years, a new report says.
More than one out of four soldiers who committed suicide did so while serving in Iraq or Afghanistan, according to a report scheduled to be released Thursday. Iraq was the most common deployment location for U.S. soldiers who either attempted suicide or committed suicide.
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MATTHEW 5:43-44---"You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" NIV

Answer 1

Of course if everyone followed not just that , but all the counsel Jesus gave in his sermon on the mount, there would be no war. I agree with what Gandhi told a British viceroy in 1931, “When your country and mine shall get together on the teachings laid down by Christ in this Sermon on the Mount, we shall have solved the problems not only of our countries but those of the whole world.” As the Hindu sage indicated, Jesus’ sermon points the way to lasting peace. These young men would not have experienced the extremely stressful conditions of being away from home for many months or years in a hostile environment. Not only that, but even if one kills someone in self defense or in some other justifiable circumstance, taking another human life causes varying degrees of damage to ones psyche. Police officers undergo psychiatric treatment when they end up killing someone. This does not happen for soldiers.

I understand that it is not your intent to trivialize the suffering of these men, but to call attention to the waste of human life that could have been prevented if more people would apply the counsel of Jesus. Only God's Kingdom will effect a permanent solution to problems such as this.

Answer 2

Exactly right... preemptive strike is the opposite of turn the other cheek. But you must keep in mind, the popular religion these days is the Pauline Gospel, not the Kingdom Gospel Jesus actually preached.

The substitute gospel can be and is used to turn the Original Gospel upside-down!!!

Answer 3

These soldiers had a choice to make and they choose death. Deuteronomy 30:19 (New Living Translation) “Today I have given you the choice between life and death, between blessings and curses. Now I call on heaven and earth to witness the choice you make. Oh, that you would choose life, so that you and your descendants might live!

I am sure that it is alot to deal with being in Iraq. I couldn't imagine what they have to see and hear. They would have to be a strong christain to be able to rely on Jesus through all the hard times. His strength, peace, joy, kindness, love, forgiveness. All the things that Jesus is, and we are if we have Jesus in our hearts. If the soliders had Jesus in their heart they are in heaven with him, living in eternity!

Answer 4

If everyone followed Jesus' words, their would be no wars and no suicides.

A related scripture reads: "But I say to you who are listening, Continue to love your enemies, to do good to those hating you, to bless those cursing you, to pray for those who are insulting you." Because of Jesus' words, NO Christian participates in war for ANY reason. Instead, they choose to follow Isa. 2:4: "And they will have to beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning shears. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore."

If everybody followed what the Bible says, there would be no wars or war-related tragedies.

Answer 5

Yes, I believe that if anyone followed Bible counsel the world would be a better place. They would definitely "beat their swords into plowshers and spears into pruning shears Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war anymore."
so there wouldn't be wars, hatred or anything else we see around us that is devasting. It would be a peaceful world, which by the way I look forward too. :)

"Praise Jehovah you people!"

Answer 6

Granted the world would be a nicer place; but that advice would probably not effect the stress that soldiers in war are under.

Answer 7

This is not necessarily talking about enemy combatants, but enemies in every day life who would persecute you for your religious beliefs.

And... the point of this discourse it to have it sink in that a person without the Spirit of God in them is incapable of doing these things.

I doubt seriously these suicides were a result of, or related to these verses.

.

Answer 8

Yes, but no. Humans sin, we are born sinners, its one thing we are really good at. We will always sin in this world and universal redemption is not likely to happen but even if it does we will keep sinning. But if we weren't born sinners and if we never sinned, yes this could be avoided. That is why I can't wait to get to heaven!!

Answer 9

You are making assumptions that I really don't like. You love your enemies and they'll mop the floor with you.
I think even God recognizes that war is essential in certain circumstances.
World war 2 is an example. How would you like to have Hitler as your ruler. Your skin might make a pretty little lamp in his parlor.

Answer 10

There is a spirit of suicide in Iraq! Spirits are transferable which means that the same evil spirits that influence the suicide bombers to kill themselves are the same spirits who influence American Soldiers to kill themselves. It only stands to reason that since American soldiers are in that land that they'd be more likely to commit suicide. But this curse would be eradicated altogether if the American government would just call our troops home.