Yesterday I saw this video. It’s a collection of responses from North Koreans after learning of the death of Kim Jong Il. Watch it and read my observations below.
I was amazed how the people wept so openly over the death of their leader, whom most of the world saw as an evil tyrant. A few reminders for us.
Those we see as enemies are still people and loved by others.
The value of a relationship to another is not determined by your opinion of the people involved. A person doesn’t have to be on the other side of the world for you to see them as an enemy. Your like or dislike of a person does not determine their value to others or to God.
These people have lost control.
I don’t mean they have lost control of their emotions. They have lost their controller. They have lost security, direction and identity. I’m sure not all North Koreans, even those seen weeping, had great affection for Kim Jong Il. But suddenly the security they have known is gone. I’m sure many wept at the possibility of invasion, a drastic change (for better or worse) of life as they know it. In losing their controller, they have lost control and the future is uncertain and frightening.
Simply put, the video is a reminder of two of humanity’s greatest needs. Relationship and security. We all want to connect with others. We all want to know “unknowns” will not destroy us. No doubt, the North Korean people have lost a sense of relationship and security this week. Politically, you may consider these people enemies, but at the core of their humanity, we are no different.
It’s Christmas week. Unless you have some crazy travel plans to North Korea, maybe the best gift you can give this nation is a prayer that God will open their hearts and give them peace.
As we hit our Christmas vacations and gatherings this week, surely you’ll encounter the same weeping depicted in the video. Maybe it’s all on the inside of a person. Valued relationships may not exist anymore. Security in an unpredictable world seems impossible. Maybe the person weeping inside…is you.
Take a moment. You can share a gift of time, focus, listening, encouragement or prayer. They don’t cost a dime. You don’t have to wrap them or have a bow. But you may give someone the best gift they have had all year.
Questions for you…
- Have you ever seen someone truly “love their enemies?”
- What is the most difficult thing you or someone you know may be facing this week?
- How can we pray together for those needs?
