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(Romans 13:4 KJV) For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

This is a day to look back and remind ourselves of the kind of world in which we live. It is a day to look further back and remind ourselves that we are to be salt and light.

We as individuals are not called to retaliate for evil done to us. Do a word study on vengeance. Just a few verses earlier we see the theme of the Bible:

(Romans 12:19 KJV) Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.

Compare that to the teaching that brought the attack on the twin towers:

From Surah 2, "The Cow",
verse 179 "And there is life for you in retaliation, O men of understanding, that ye may ward off (evil)."
verse 216, "Warfare is ordained for you..."

These are direct quotes from a Koran translated my a faithful Muslim. Get a Koran and read it through. Read the context of what I quoted. I guarantee it will not convert you but it will help you understand the forces that Satan is using against us.

But while we are to turn the other cheek as individuals and not seek vengeance, notice what the verse at the top of the post tells us. It is the government's job to bear the sword against evil. Don't be one of those "proof text Christians" who only takes the counsel of God that makes your coffee clache happy. Read the whole thing. There is a place for the sword as well as forgiveness.