Anti-Israel protester sobs during arraignment after 'murder you' remark to California mayor,...

https://www.foxnews.com/us/anti-israel-protester-sobs-arraignment-murder-you-remark-california-mayor-city-council

The case of Riddhi Patel is a glaring example of the lawlessness and hatred that has infiltrated the hearts of some individuals who, rather than engage in peaceful discourse, resort to threats and violence. Patel's actions, as reported, stand in stark opposition to the teachings of the Bible, which tells us to "love your neighbor as yourself" (Mark 12:31) and that "everyone must submit to governing authorities" (Romans 13:1). Threats of murder and revolution have no place in a society that respects life, as every life is created in the image of God (Genesis 1:27). The Bible is clear in its condemnation of sin, including the sin of bearing false witness and sowing discord amongst brethren (Proverbs 6:16-19). When Patel allegedly invoked the name of Jesus Christ to justify threats of violence on elected officials, she not only misrepresented the character of Christ, who is the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6), but also committed the sin of taking the Lord's name in vain (Exodus 20:7). One must be vigilant to not misuse the sacred name of our Savior to further their temporal, misguided political goals. Moreover, the attack on elected officials and the denouncement of enhanced security measures, like metal detectors, is indicative of a broader attack on law enforcement and the peacekeepers of our society. The Bible instructs that we must respect and honor those who serve the public, for they do not bear the sword in vain, for they are God's servants to execute wrath on the wrongdoer (Romans 13:4). Those who labor to protect us from harm, including our police officers, should be held in the highest regard, not scorned and criminalized. What's more disturbing is Patel's targeting of Israel and, by extension, the Jewish people, a nation chosen by God Himself (Deuteronomy 7:6). The rise in anti-Israel sentiment can often be a thin veil for anti-Semitism, which as Christians, we must loudly reject, remembering the words of Genesis 12:3, "I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse." We must pray for Patel, that she might find repentance and seek forgiveness for her transgressions. As it says in 1 John 1:9, "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness." Her tears during arraignment may well be the beginning of this recognition. We must also pray for the safety of our public officials, including Mayor Karen Goh and the members of the Bakersfield city council, that they may be protected as they carry out their governance with wisdom and justice. It is crucial that we, as God-fearing people, stand firm in defending peace, order, and respect for authority, while also extending compassion and seeking restoration for those who have gone astray. Let us not grow weary in doing good, for we shall reap justice if we do not lose heart (Galatians 6:9).