HATRED: Reader prays for writer

Daniel, your letter to the editor Sunday on "Hatred" left me empty and saddened. You appear to have been hurt badly, labeling all Christians as "the enemy." I have been wondering how to respond. Our Monday morning's devotional reading seems perfect so have reprinted it here for you and all who believe we are "your enemy."

"Each generation seems to have an identified and labeled enemy. In the 1940s the enemy was ‘Nazis.' Later the enemy was ‘communists.' Most recently, the enemy is ‘terrorists.' Labeling some group as the enemy is not new to human history. In fact, people in Jesus' time had an identified enemy, a group they considered a threat to their way of life. Their enemy was ‘Romans.' Any Jew who associated with the Romans or aided them in their occupation of Israel was expelled from the synagogue. Thus, tax collectors were ostracized from their communities for helping the Romans collect taxes from the people.

"Jesus' ministry casts a new light on such distinctions. Jesus calls the tax collector, Matthew, and accepts him as a follower despite his involvement with the enemy. Prostitutes are gathered despite their occupation. Sinners are invited to the dining table despite their past. Jesus comes and gives mercy, even to the enemy, and calls all sinners to a brand new existence with a new label: child of God."

Lord Jesus, help us to see beyond society's labels and welcome Daniel in your name. Amen.

(Reprinted from Christ In Our Home publication, July-September 2010, Augsburg Press, Minneapolis)

MIKE CHEELEY

Coeur d'Alene