Mercy in a Combat Zone

Posting about the Armor of God reminded me of a story that was barely even noticed by the US public.

What does "love your enemies" and "turn the other cheek" look like? Unforgiving Christians could learn from Private First Class Tschiderer. Those of us who feel like our enemies have wronged us so badly that they do not deserve forgiveness or mercy should take notes from an American hero:

Baghdad, Iraq. June 2, 2005. While out on patrol Army PFC Stephen Tschiderer, a medic, was shot in the chest by an enemy sniper who was hiding in a van just 75 yards away. Despite the man's murderous intent, Tschiderer's body armor saved his life. Instead of killing him, the round knocked the Soldier to the ground as he stood outside of his vehicle. Injured, PFC Tschriderer jumped right back up and took cover.

Tschriderer and his buddies located the enemy position and returned fire. They pursued the wounded sniper through the streets of Baghdad. They followed the trail of blood to the place where the sniper had collapsed. With the sniper finally caught, it was PFC Tschiderer who handcuffed him. What did this Soldier, wounded and running on adrenaline, do next? Without hesitation, he treated the injuries of the man who had tried to take his life only minutes before.

"But I say to you who hear, Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who abuse you." Luke 6:27-28