I was saddened to learn that Dr Terry Jones of the Dove World Outreach Center in Florida plans to burn copies of the Qur'an on Saturday.
I appeal to you, Dr Jones, please think this through again.
Consider the words of Paul writing to the Galatians - 'The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, goodness, kindness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control.' (Galatians 5:22-23) He adds in verse 25, 'Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit'.
Just take the first word, 'love'. Didn't Jesus call us to love our enemies? (Matthew 5:44, Luke 6:27, Luke 6:35) Burning a book that many people value and revere doesn't seem to fit the concepts of love, kindness, or gentleness.
I have to ask you therefore, in the name of Jesus Christ, to please reconsider the Qur'an burning. Change your mind now before it is too late, not because I am asking you, but because Jesus himself is asking you.
And to any Muslims out there who may be reading this. I have heard it said that Islam is a religion of peace. If that is so I am glad and commend you. However, I follow Jesus (Isa) who is also one of your prophets, and he came in peace. He calls his followers to be a people of peace. One of his titles is Prince of Peace.
He once said, 'Blessed are the peacemakers, for they will be called sons of the Most High.' (Matthew 5:9)
Thank you for reading this through to the end. My prayer is that the truth carried by Jesus will enter the hearts and minds of each of you and illuminate your innermost being with his peace and grace and joy.