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Typically, the thought of war conjures up images of "killing" the enemy. While this is the primary activity that happens while engaging those who would do us harm, there are other behind-the-scenes activities that can bring victory. The following anecdote comes from my classmate at Denver Seminary who is a Navy nurse aspiring to become a military chaplain.

...we routinely scooped up and medically treated seriously wounded Iraqi insurgents that became injured in their own offensive attacks against us, whether rushing us in a road check point in a car that was armed or accidentally setting off one of their own (improvised explosive devices) IEDs while planting it on the side of the road in darkness.

...taking these Iraqi guys back to our hospital tents or ships for lifesaving and costly treatment is not typically popular with much of the American public, nor many of the U.S. fighting troops that would sometimes be receiving medical treatment only feet away from their attacker. (However,) it seemed the right and biblical thing to do to help the helpless if we could..... (Some might ask:) "Why spend our valuable supplies or the last of our morphine on him?"

My classmate, Chris, shared this anecdote while we were studying Philippians 1:27-28a:

"Whatever happens, conduct yourself in a manner worthy of the gospel of Christ. Then whether I come and see or only hear about you in my absence, I will know that you stand firm in one spirit, contending as one man for faith of the gospel, without being frightened in any way by those who oppose you." The Philippians had vicious enemies who were maligning and putting many of them in prison. The Apostle Paul told them to stay focused on Christian living even in the midst of persecution.

Showing mercy to an attacker is not a flippant act. Grace, forgiveness, and strong sense of calling is required. Those who do are fighting a battle just as those who wield fire power on the field. Mercy is simply another kind of power -- it is a spiritual sword that can pierce hardened hearts on both sides of the conflict. May this medical ministry continue, as it will teach forgiveness and peace and yield results over time in that part of the world.

Lisa is a Christian writer who explores the joy and pain of the human experience. Whether at home or on international travel, she loves to study and write about interesting people and lessons gleaned from their examples. For real income she writes Bible study curriculum that is also linked to her people study. She resides in Denver, Colorado.