A Prayer for “Mr. Revenge Porn”

Sometimes I hate love. 

Huh?

An article in a local paper tells the story of a young man who runs a website devoted to “revenge porn.”  The way this works is that if a person becomes disgruntled in a relationship (usually the guy), and he has nude still or video pictures of his ex-girlfriend, the “revenge porn” website will publicly post these photos, along with other pertinent information.  This means that the girl not only has the shame of gawking-stranger eyes, but also the danger of her identity and contact information revealed.

How humiliating…and disgusting?  I want people who so viciously hurt others in jail.

And my next thought is:  In this time of easy dissemination of words and images, who would ever give anyone such skin-suit photos?  No nude pictures=no revenge porn.

But this “bleat” is not about how heinous some sins are.  It’s about the disturbing but non-negotiable requirement of followers of Christ to love rather than hate people they detest.   At times it would be a relief to let your outrage against unlikable people flow as an angry river.  You know, the “thems” of our world deserve it, right?

Why does Jesus have to show up with some annoying advice like, “’You have heard that it was said, “You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.”  But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you”’ (Matthew 5:43-44).

Oh, man, Jesus, what are you thinking?  Have you not heard about “revenge porn”?

Actually, Jesus knows all about revenge porn–and all the other open and hidden sins.  So this requires that if I happen to bump into “Mr. Revenge Porn Website Entrepreneur,” I have to find a way to—gulp–love the jerk.  That could mean a number of things, including pleading with him to stop this outrageous offense against women—and men.  Loving him might mean sending money to the attorneys who are trying to legally shut down this Internet crud.   And I can pray for him—not to be eaten alive by worms, but to find a new way of life that causes him to exchange hate for love.

For sure, though, it means that if we meet, I need to be gracious and respectful of Mr. RPWE.  No “you jerk” talk.  Maybe I should buy him a cup of coffee?  Because the truth is, Jesus loves him far more than I can imagine and died for his sins, just like he died for mine.

Such love doesn’t come naturally.  Kind of like hanging on a cross didn’t come naturally.  This loving calls for some unnatural—let’s say, super-unnatural help.

Help!