Samurai Sword and Chainsaw Used in Dispute: How is This Neighborly Love?
Two men were sent to a hospital in Australia after a dispute turned into a bloodbath. The neighbors used a samurai sword and chainsaw as weapons in the fight, leading many to wonder just how this is an example of the commandment to "love your neighbor as yourself."
Troy Thornton had a big problem with his neighbor Mark Jorgensen, complaining about loud music and "reckless driving," according to reports. The Jorgensen family "tried to invade the family's home," Nicole Thornton told the Sydney Morning Herald.
"Basically we ended up in a brawl," she explained. "The guys from next door, by then there [were] 20 of them with bats, swords and poles. It was me, my mum and my sister taking on guys, so my brother [went] and got the chainsaw."
Doctors have attempted to reattach Jorgensen's arm, which was completely severed from his body. There is no word yet on whether they were able to do so successfully. Jorgensen, however, was not innocent in the battle. He used a samurai sword to remove one of Troy Thornton's fingers.
The outcome is tragic, and both men face charges for their parts in the duel. One can't help but wonder if they ever heard the commandment found in Matthew 22:39, "Love your neighbor as yourself" or the Golden Rule, "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" (Luke 6:31).
There are eight mentions of loving one's neighbor as one's self. It is "one of the Bible's most repeated commands. Loving your neighbor is the opposite of selfishness-the common human practice," according to Believers.org.
In this case, not showing love has led to permanent disfigurement for two men, and possible criminal charges for them as well as their families. Detective Chief Inspector Mark Brett told the Daily News that the scene was "horrific. It's very disturbing … a chainsaw and a Samurai sword are serious weapons."
"Whatever you did to the least of these, you did to me," Jesus said in Matthew 25:40, and for two families who did not take the time to stop and think, their lives will not be the same.
