The headlines scream everyday death, destruction, and debauchery. In the past day a family of
6 was killed on X-mas eve in Carnation, WA, in Pakistan a former PM and 20 others were blasted into eternity by a Jesus-starved homicide bomber. When I read these headlines two things came to mind...1. "I'm sure glad I don't live near any Islamitics 2. How can anybody kill a family of 6, including a 6 yr old and 3 yr old?" Having kids myself, I thought if anybody did that to my family I would probably jump into the lunatic fringe and beat them to death and probably enjoy it. Then rationality set in and I thought to myself by being angry would I not be giving a foothold to Satan in my life?
Too often as Christians, our first reaction to anything grievous and perverted is to think or say "Wtf I hope they burn in hell? Alas, this completely contrary to what the Bible teaches. I know I'm guilty of doing exactly what I'm writing about...so this is a lesson for you as well for me.
Within the Bible are many examples of what Jesus did...which is the complete opposite of what we do...for the sake of time and fact I'm tired and starting to see things I will keep it like fruit of the loom...brief.
Mark 6:34 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, he had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd. So he began teaching them many things.
Instead, of whining and complaining, Jesus knew they needed salvation, so he too it upon himself to speak to them. It didn't matter if they were sinners or saints, Jesus treated them all equally.
Luke 7:48, 50 [48] Then Jesus said to her, "Your sins are forgiven." [50] Jesus said to the woman, "Your faith has saved you; go in peace.
With the prostitute he didn't run away from because he afraid he would contract an std, instead he lovingly spoke with her.
Finally, as Christians we can do one of two things we can say "F*&% the sinner" or we can follow the example of Jesus and seek to help the lost. We must always remember all of us are depraved sinners, not just a select few. Everybody needs prayer, not just friends and family. The next time you're skimming the paper and you come across tragedy don't just pray for the afflicted...Pray for afflictor...They need Jesus, too.
I'll leave with a final verse that should remind to act accordingly as a Christian.
1 John 2:6 Whoever claims to live in him must walk as Jesus did
