Hold up.

Bin Laden is dead.

Is joy the appropriate response? Should we, as Christians, rejoice that a man, even if he was evil, has died?

Even more, should we thank God he's dead?

Now, I do think justice should be served as best as we can serve it. But, I don't believe that includes killing anyone. Life is short enough already. I believe as Christians, we should hope that everyone have as much opportunity to be saved as possible. And though many people may be considering whether or not you can be saved after death, I believe that is not the truth (Luke 16:19-31). So, killing someone cuts their life, and their chances of being saved, short.

Additionally, I believe that the Bible teaches all sins are equal. (James 2:10 says "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it.) That means you and I are no better than Osama Bin Laden. If he deserves eternal damnation, then so do we.

But, Christ died on the cross so that whoever calls upon his name can be saved (John 3:16). There is no sin that Jesus cannot overcome. Is that not what our churches teach? Is that not what we preach to liars, addicts, and thiefs? Why then, should that not also include murderers? Or mass murders?

I understand the pain that can be caused by losing a loved one. Any wrongdoing against you causes pain. and it's not easy to forgive that someone who has wronged you. But yet again, that's what the Bible tells us to do. We're to forgive someone seventy times seven. (Matthew 18:21-22)

Furthermore, the Bible says ‎"Do not rejoice when your enemies fall, and do not let your heart be glad when they stumble..." (Proverbs 24:17). I was unfamiliar with that verse until tonight, but a friend posted it on their facebook and it applies perfectly here.

Do you need more reasons to not be rejoicing?

I hope I make this clear. I don't like Osama Bin Laden. He did terrible things. But he is equally welcome to God's grace and mercy. He is loved by God, just as you, I, and the rest of the world are. Celebrating and thanking God for his death is an inappropriate response.


UPDATE:
After reading more from people who share my view, I realized I missed two other Biblical examples (in case you really do need more reasons).

Romans 12:9-21
Love must be sincere. Hate what is evil; cling to what is good. Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves. Never be lacking in zeal, but keep your spiritual fervor, serving the Lord. Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. Share with the Lord’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.

Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse. Rejoice with those who rejoice; mourn with those who mourn. Live in harmony with one another. Do not be proud, but be willing to associate with people of low position. Do not be conceited.

Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone. Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord. 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.”
Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.



Ezekiel 33:11
Say to them, "As I live, declares the Lord God, I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live."




UPDATE #2:
This is not about whether this war is right or wrong, or  whether killing Bin Laden was right or wrong, or even whether killing anyone is right or wrong. It's about not rejoicing over death. My second paragraph is a bridge to that end, not a commentary on capital punishment.