Talking with people who have been shot at or had vehicles or devices explode near them, I have seen a variety of emotions. Most have a quiet resolve. “This is the nature of the conflict and someone got to me before I got to them”. I have seen others that hold deep resentment not only to the insurgents but also the Iraqi people for not stopping the insurgency. In a few others I have seen a peace that seemed to harbor no resentment at all. The latter reminded me of Joseph. Genesis contains the details of how Joseph was betrayed by his brothers. He ended up as a servant to an Egyptian master due to betrayal and then in jail as a result of a lie. He eventually was able to save his family from sure death from famine due to the position of honor God had eventually given him in Egypt.

When the family was finally reunited the brothers were very concerned at the revenge that Joseph might have in mind. Here is his response to his brothers who were begging for mercy and declaring they were his slaves. Gen 50 19-21 But Joseph said to them, “Don’t be afraid. Am I in the place of God? You intended to harm me, but God intended it for good to accomplish what is now being done, the saving of many lives. So then do not be afraid. I will provide for you and your children.” And he reassured them and spoke kindly to them.

What an example of not only forgiveness but a willingness to bless those who had persecuted him. The forgiveness of Joseph is a foretaste of the forgiveness of Christ. While he was being tormented on the cross he was able to say, “Forgive them for they know not what they do.

Honestly, I have a long way to go in the forgiveness department. When I see our wounded soldiers and the innocent men women and children of Iraq killed or wounded, I want vengeance. Once again the Bible is there to guide me. Romans 12:19-20 Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay”. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” I hope we as medics are doing this as we treat those who have attacked our soldiers.

Soli Deo Gloria,