The Good Lutheran

I was blissfully unaware of Lutherans
until one sat next to me on the flight
from Denver to Portland.
I didn't know the Devil was
responsible for the interfaith
strife between various Christian
denominations, much less that
Buddhists and Muslims, Hindus
and Jews were destined for Hell.
He used his pale blue eyes, his intent
probing stare to drill into my brain,
attempting to bypass any semblance
of logic I applied to the matter of hand,
whether the Devil is responsible for all evil,
whether Jesus came to use the sword on
his people, or to teach love.
Lutherans believe in the former.
He was heading back home from a
conference of pastors, newly loaded
with fire and brimstone messages.
I was on my way to see a friend in
need, to share a little friendship,
to offer a bit of comfort.
What would Jesus do?