Tonight it was announced that Osama bin Laden was killed. Hearing that — correction, reading that on Twitter — took me back to the Fall of 2001. I feel a bit perplexed on how to react to the news.

I am relieved that this purveyor of terror can no longer terrorize the world. I’m fully aware that there are thousands more just like him, but his was a very important head on the hydra.

I’m wary of the retaliation that may be forthcoming. I’m already frustrated with the personal liberties we have lost in the aftermath of 9/11 (and subsequent attempts), so I’m not looking forward to what additional restrictions might come.

I grieve for the families who lost loved ones on 9/11. I grieve for the families who have lost love ones in the military action since. My only prayer is that this can help them find a greater sense of closure.

I think it’s human nature to say that one would be joyful hearing this news. The “playground bully” is not able to take our lunch money anymore. But I’m not finding myself feeling very joyful. Here’s why.

God created the heavens and the earth, and every living thing on the earth. God loves every living thing on the earth; evil or holy, pure or rotten, God loves every living thing. Even though bin Laden was, according to most of the world, an evil man, God still loves him. I cannot picture God rejoicing in bin Laden’s death. Evil though he was, God is still saddened by it.

And this is where I’m stuck. I don’t think there is a clean cut answer on how to respond. There is just the tension between the emotions of the flesh, and what God has called us to. The tension is not enjoyable, but it is through the tension that we are caused to grow.