In northern Nigeria, Muslims have instituted Sharia Law—the strictest Islamic legal code. Christians dominate the Nigerian population, so the Islamic leaders insist that the law only applies to domestic matters for Muslims. However, the Christians know better. Hundreds of their churches have already been destroyed. If they are rebuilt, they are burned down again. Many Christians are being martyred.
In the city of Kaduna in northern Nigeria, one church leader claims that Muslim extremists have placed a bounty on the heads of all Christian leaders, offering one hundred thousand naira (about one thousand U.S. dollars) for each one killed. Likewise, there was also a bounty on Christ’s head, and he was betrayed for just thirty pieces of silver.
With the continued threat, some believers are contemplating fighting back. But one Christian leader recently challenged believers in Kaduna: “In the midst of this we need to remember our Lord’s teaching about turning evil to good and patiently suffering in the face of what is happening. And because Nigeria is a proclaimed democracy, there is a responsibility for Christians to make sure everyone is treated justly and fairly.”
Christ delivered a similar challenge almost two thousand years ago: “‘Love the Lord your God’ . . . This is the first and greatest commandment. And the second is like it: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself’” (Matthew 22:37–39).
Following Christ’s command to love our neighbors as ourselves is hard enough. It’s even harder to follow Christ’s command to love our neighbors when they have it out for us. We all know the feeling. You may have a colleague who is bent on sabotaging your work. You may have a teacher who rides your case for no apparent reason. Or you may be blessed with a so-called friend who seems strangely pleased when things are going wrong in your life. Jesus knows the feeling of having others celebrate your sufferings. How can you love those who would pay to see you suffer? Others may treasure seeing you put to shame. However, your obedience to God in this area is priceless. a is priceless.
VOM 12.27.11
Extreme Devotions