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Is it wrong to celebrate the death of Osama Bin Laden? I do not mean to celebrate the fact that a human being died without finding Christ. That, I know we should surely mourn. Rather, is it right to celebrate the end of the life of a man dedicated to bringing grief, sorrow, and death to innocent civilians until his fantasy of a caliphate is a reality? The question I am really asking is, is it ok to celebrate the victory of good over evil even if the main manifestation of such victory is the death of a man?

There is a bittersweet reaction to these kinds of circumstances. As Christians, we hope and pray that all our foes will repent and strive for their salvation. We are also saddened that many innocent lives were lost due to the disregard of human life and dignity by someone who refused to work toward peace. We know that God is most kind and merciful, just as He was with the people of Nineveh, and many others. He gladly accepts all sinners who repent of their wickedness and strive toward love and peace, the fruit of repentance.

It is not spiritually or religiously wrong to express a collective sigh of relief or even to celebrate the end of tyranny. The Holy Scripture records God's might and triumph on behalf of the children of Israel in the Holy Book of Exodus. Chapter 15 illustrates the celebration of freedom from Pharaoh and his wicked army by which the archprophet Moses and his sister Miriam the prophetess both rejoiced led the others in song and dance when they were delivered from Pharaoh's iron fist. Their celebratory song of deliverance is still chanted in the First Praise and Ode of the Midnight Psalmody.

On the other hand, the kind and gentle heart of David did not allow him to rejoice at the death of his estranged son Absalom, who wanted to kill him. Although Saul envied David and wanted him dead, David was not provoked to harm Saul in any way, although he had many opportunities to avenge himself. In both these instances, David lamented the death of these enemies whom he knew detested him. It is because the relationships were once very close that David did not rejoice in their demise. Absalom was his son and Saul was the anointed king. Despite David's prominence, he was extremely humble and respectful and still loved them although he knew they hated him.

  
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