Did they Deserve it?

Did they deserve it?

  

The other day I heard someone say, those folks in that nightclub in Orlando got what they deserved, I was not part of the conversation, it was a youth and I wonder if they knew what was coming from their mouth.  As I gave thought to what had been said, I wondered, do they understand the words they said, for they have joined in agreeing with the evil man, and his evil religion that killed 49 human beings.  His religion gave him the desire to appoint himself as God, as both judge and executioner, and doesn't anyone who is in agreement with his actions become murderers in their hearts? 

Listen to the Scriptures; “The good person out of the good treasure of his heart produces good, and the evil person out of his evil treasure produces evil, for out of the abundance of the heart his mouth speaks.”  I’ve often let my big mouth speak before giving thought to what came out, but each of us needs to give thought to what is coming out of our mouth.

Jesus said in Matthew’s gospel chapter 7 verses 1-2, “Judge not, that you be not judged. For with the judgment you pronounce you will be judged, and with the measure you use it will be measured to you.”   I came upon 1 Corinthians 4-5, “Therefore do not pronounce judgment before the time, before the Lord comes, who will bring to light the things now hidden in darkness and will disclose the purposes of the heart. Then each one will receive his commendation from God.” 

Maybe I should have joined the conversation, maybe in love I should have asked this question: (Are you saying you agree with this evil person, who practices an evil religion, that anyone who is involved in a homosexual lifestyle deserves to have life taken from them?)  And I should follow that up with a quick warning; give serious thought to your answer.  For you have just identified with this man’s evil religion, you have condoned with your words and have you not entered into darkness, have you not stated they did not deserve the same grace that Jesus showed you?

I do not know the heart of those young men and women whose lives were cut short, but this I do know if they had not heard that God so loves the world that He gave His only Son, that whoever (that includes straight or homosexual) believes in him should not perish but have eternal life.

Their opportunity to do so was taken from them.  It is time to visit the mirror, to look deep into what I see, and I see a real mess, I did not deserve grace, I did not earn grace, but in Jesus Christ, I’ve experienced grace.