By now I'm sure you're aware that the Westboro Baptist Church folks are coming to town to protest a marine's funeral. I've seen a lot of people saying a lot of different things about them, and it's hard to not join in the criticism and it's even harder to not want to see them get their teeth kicked in. But while reading up on them some (they have several websites that say God hates...well...everyone except for them...) I was reminded of a passage from the Gospel of Matthew:
But I say to you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your father who is in Heaven. For He makes the sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.
Matthew 5:44-48
The WBC guys are persecuting everyone. So what's the proper response? Pray for them and love them. I mean, it's easy to get caught up in getting mad and wanting to fight and yell and scream and do whatever, but the most powerful thing you and I can do is to pray - pray for the family of the fallen marine, pray for the safety of our soldiers caught in war, and pray for the members of Westboro Baptist Church.
Right now, it seems like we're in such a time where people are caught up in the extremes of God's character. You have people on one side saying that God is love and there is no divine punishment and this and that is OK. Then you have people on the other side that are saying that God is judge and full of wrath and he hates everyone and everything. The truth is in the middle - yes, God is love, but yes, God is also a just God (along with several other qualities).
So, next time you see them on TV or in person or whatever, remember that Fred Phelps and his family (who make up about 80% of the WBC congregation) are sinners in need of grace just like the rest of us.
So, yes. Protest their message. Protest their methods. But remember - love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you. It is completely justified to be angry and hurt over this, but remember this, as well:
Be angry, but do not sin.
Ephesians 4:26
I hate that this is happening. I hate that the name of God (notice these folks never talk about Jesus...) is being invoked in this message of hate. But those folks need Christ like the rest of us.
Just some thoughts.
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