September 11th

Today is the ninth anniversary of the horrendous events of September 11, 2001.  I remember oh so well the panic and fear of that day, the uncertainty of what would happen next.

Let us remember the tragedy and mourn the thousands of deaths, but let us NOT "repay evil for evil".  Piling on hate and violence in response to an evil act is no better than the original evil act.  This is SO HARD, but the truth.

Courtesy of http://www.biblegateway.com/:

Romans 12:17

(New International Version)

17Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.

(New Living Translation)

17 Never pay back evil with more evil. Do things in such a way that everyone can see you are honorable.

(Contemporary English Version)

17Don't mistreat someone who has mistreated you. But try to earn the respect of others,

(New Century Version)

17 If someone does wrong to you, do not pay him back by doing wrong to him. Try to do what everyone thinks is right.

(GOD’S WORD Translation)

17Don’t pay people back with evil for the evil they do to you. Focus your thoughts on those things that are considered noble.

(The Message)

17-19Don't hit back; discover beauty in everyone. If you've got it in you, get along with everybody. Don't insist on getting even; that's not for you to do. "I'll do the judging," says God. "I'll take care of it."

(King James Version)

17Recompense to no man evil for evil. Provide things honest in the sight of all men.