In Bible class we recently discussed how amidst the tumult of Jesus’ arrest our Lord rebuked Peter for cutting off the ear of the high priest’s servant (Jn 18:10). Applying this to the ongoing revolution in Iran, I showed that we need to remain peaceful and pray not only for the protesters but also for the Iranian leaders—the mullahs, secret service (IRGC) and the government itself—that they would repent of their evil ways and come to Christ. Everyone agreed, save one young man wearing a ball cap. He shared how his sister had been arrested by the IRGC who physically violated her. “Death to the mullahs!” he kept muttering. He stormed out after class, and I was frustrated that I had not been able to speak to him privately. This past Sunday, he attended the Divine Service and Bible class. Over coffee the people were discussing the fact that the Iranian government is now using live bullets to subdue the protesters. The young man sat there, still very agitated, his eyes barely visible under the brim of his cap. I asked someone to read Matthew 5:44b: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” “What does this mean in the context of the Iranian revolution?” I asked. “We have to love the Iranian authorities and the mullahs,” they said. I glanced over at the young man who sat there, frozen. “Loving people who are evil and hateful is extremely difficult,” I maintained, “especially if they have sinned against you in a most grievous way. But remember that we all have the Holy Spirit in us, whom we received in our Baptism. He works inside of us, allowing us to do things of which we would not be capable on our own. *He* loves our enemies through us, even when *we* have difficulty doing so.” As I was putting my things away after class, someone touched my shoulder. The young man stood behind me, holding his cap. He shook my hand vigorously. “I finally get it…” Thank you, dear Lord Jesus, for softening this young man’s heart.
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