My Decision about Flaming Korans

My last two posts have shown you a little of what my thought process has been this week as I reflected on the church in Gainsville and their God given mission to burn Korans on September 11.  I have had to peel away quite a bit of bias and personal opinion in this case.  

To be honest, the decision I came to I don't even like!  Yet I believe it is the Godly one.

All my searching and praying led me through the issues and the questions to one basic thought:

Is burning Korans consistent with Scripture and what I know to be God's will?  I thought of Acts 19:19 and countless passages about love.  I thought of Jesus overturning tables in the temple and cursing a fig tree (radical to be sure).  In the end, I found Romans 12:9-21 which sums up many of the issues with the Koran burning and directs my attitudes and thoughts.

Romans 12:9-21:
"Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good.  10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love. Honor one another above yourselves.  11 Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord.  12 Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.  13 Share with God's people who are in need. Practice hospitality.  14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.  15 Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn.  16 Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.  17 Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody.  18 If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  19 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," says the Lord.  20 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."  21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good."

The verse directs me in several areas:
(1)  It is okay to have Godly-hatred towards evil and I must not accept it
(2)  I must have spiritual fervor and not be complacent
(3)  I must not take revenge for something that has been done to me or my people
(4)  I must answer enemies with love

It is not loving (though satisfying) to burn Korans.  The burning of Holy Books and flags is what the enemy does.  Christians must be guided by God's Word.  God's Word directs His people not to burn Korans.