Gen. David Petraeus , the top U.S. and NATO commander in Afghanistan today warned that a Florida church’s threat to burn copies of the Koran would endanger U.S. troops in the Middle East and could pose danger for Americans worldwide.

“Images of the burning of a Koran would undoubtedly be used by extremists in Afghanistan — and around the world — to inflame public opinion and incite violence ,” Petraeus said. “Were the actual burning to take place, the safety of our soldiers and civilians would be put in jeopardy and accomplishment of the mission would be made more difficult.”

Hundreds of Afghans protested on Monday the plans by Gainesville, Florida-based Dove World Outreach Center to burn copies of the Muslim holy book on church grounds on Sept. 11.

Come on followers of Jesus! This is not the way of the Kingdom of God. This is not wise or helpful or Godly. Christians don’t protest this way, we find ways to love. Yes, sometimes love means exercising political and even military force. But inciting reactions by leveraging obviously incendiary symbolism is not Jesus’ way.

“God way pray for your peace. We pray for wisdom and humility in your people. We pray for creative ways to love in the face of fear and violence. We pray for ways to bless Muslims, even those who intend us harm. Yes, we know that sometimes love calls for physical resistance. But force is only a last resort. Keep us from the stupidity of posturing. We walk in your ways, quiet and resolved and enduring to the end. In Jesus…”