Both sides, Hamas and the Israeli state, claim to have the right to defend their people, at the expense of the other side. Death and destruction, with its endless repetition and recrimination, follows.
And we wonder can there be a better way, after all these years of hatred and desire for the removal of the others.
But I see the same destructive cycle happening locally, when families unravel and relationships are broken. Children suffer from the foolish and self-centred behaviour patterns of the adults who should have the duty of care of their young ones. Family breakdowns have been happening for millennia, and the price is always high.
And always, the claim is that the bad behaviour is allowed because we are engaging in self-defence. But is self-defence the best way forward?
But St. Paul has another view, based on the teaching and example of Jesus. ' Love does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged.' (1 Corinthians 13.5)
The more I reflect on these words, the more radical they appear. Ours is a culture that enjoys demanding rights and privileges. But this is not the way of Love, as shown by Jesus.
Instead, as St. Peter shows us, Jesus reveals the better way, in his own arrest and trial. 'Jesus is your example, and you must follow in his steps. He never sinned, nor ever deceived anyone. He did not retaliate when he was insulted, nor threaten revenge when he suffered. He left his case in the hands of God, who always judges fairly.' (1 Peter 1.21-23)
We all have the chance to live out this sort of life today, because many things will happen, which might push us to retaliate in an aggressive and unpleasant way.
My prayer is that the beauty of Jesus may be seen in us.
Best wishes,
Richard
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