The war with Iran

Restraint

Repay no one evil for evil. Respect what is honorable in the sight of all men. If it is possible, as much as it is up to you, be at peace with all men. Don’t seek revenge yourselves, beloved, but give place to God’s wrath. For it is written, “Vengeance belongs to me; I will repay, says the Lord.” Therefore don’t be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

Romans 12:17–21 · World English Bible

Vengeance is the most available language in a long war. Paul does not pretend evil is imaginary. He takes revenge out of our hands because we are not safe with it.

Where has the desire to see someone suffer begun to feel like righteousness in you?

Neighbor

Let brotherly love continue. Don’t forget to show hospitality to strangers, for in doing so, some have entertained angels without knowing it. Remember those who are in bonds, as bound with them, and those who are ill-treated, since you are also in the body.

Hebrews 13:1–3 · World English Bible

The letter does not ask you to settle a front. It asks you to remember the imprisoned as though chained with them, and the stranger as though you were in their skin. That is a different attention than a map.

Whose name, house, or city have you allowed to become an abstraction this week?