Seeds for the Just War Theory

(Proverbs 24:17 KJV)  Rejoice not when thine enemy falleth, and let not thine heart be glad when he stumbleth:

How is a Bible believing Christian to deal with the reality of war and violence in our world?  Currently terrorism is much on our minds.  Earlier in this chapter we find reference to war.

(Proverbs 24:6 KJV)  For by wise counsel thou shalt make thy war: and in multitude of counsellors there is safety.

That makes it clear that war may at times be necessary.  Verse 17 would be part of the ideas of Just War Theory. 

Christians are sometimes compelled to fight but we cannot do so with hatred in our hearts.  We have enemies but we must still want the best for them.  Pagans do not understand that concept.  The idea of limited war is a modern concept.  It was demonstrated at the end of World War II where the United States set about rebuilding its previous enemies.  To some it seems impossible to love our enemies but that is our standard.

So?  Whether it is day to day contact with those who hate us or a world war, we are expected to act at a higher level that non-believers.  No one ever said it would be easy.