The small city in which I live was terrorized by a man who killed seven (yes 7) people he knew, and then took his own life in the end. Two of the lives he took were children, who never lived to see their teenage years.
There is so much anger, outrage, and hatred out there toward this man, that I wonder how many of the people would call themselves Christians! Yes, I am angry for the circumstances...those innocent people should not have had their lives cut short. I am outraged that this happened in my city. I HATE crime and sin.
But I do not hate the man that committed these crimes. That is not what God calls me to do.
I know that those killed were not my close family or friends. I had never met them.
But they are my brothers and sisters in Christ. I cry for them, and for those who actually were blessed by knowing them.
I pray for those who are suffering the loss of those they loved.
Some people even LOVED the murderer. He is a son, brother, husband, and father. He is also my brother in Christ. He sinned, as we all have.
It is not my right to judge him. I do have opinions about his actions and sins - but it is not my job to say he was evil. Certainly, his actions were evil.
God has a plan for everything, and everything happens according to His will.
Satan and his evil is also present in our world - and though it may interfere in our lives, God's LOVE and plan will prevail.
We need not judge those who fall for Satan's deception and evil ways.
God will judge them fairly, and they will certainly face their own judgement in His eyes.
Dear Lord,
Please help us to remember our place is not to judge others and their sins, but to pray and find our own ways in Your Word. Protect our hearts and minds from the evil that is present in our world, that You have created and planned. Help us to see that judging others is a sin, and that we are to mind our own thoughts and hearts as blessings from You!
Your Son, Jesus, was one to be seen on Earth talking to and blessing thieves, lepers, and others who were scorned by the public. Let us be more like Him, and forgive our own judgement as we are to be judged on how we treat others!
In Jesus' Name,
Amen
~Kristen
Numbers 35:12
They will be places of refuge from the avenger, so that anyone accused of murder may not die before they stand trial before the assembly.
They will be places of refuge from the avenger, so that anyone accused of murder may not die before they stand trial before the assembly.
Deuteronomy 1:17
Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of anyone, for judgment belongs to God. Bring me any case too hard for you, and I will hear it.”
Do not show partiality in judging; hear both small and great alike. Do not be afraid of anyone, for judgment belongs to God. Bring me any case too hard for you, and I will hear it.”
For those who don't know the story of the murders in Grand Rapids, here is a link:
