Society is changing and we must forgive there is no doubt about that. The question is if your pastor or if you are a pastor and carry a firearm does it mean you aren’t a forgiver; that you need something stronger than forgiveness? Some argue that if you live in forgiveness that that is all you need while others argue otherwise. So is your pistol packing pastor unforgiving just because he/she chooses to carry a firearm?
It’s so funny to hear people say there should be no politics in church yet one has to wonder the historical context of where that came from; especially when the Declaration of Independence itself is a religious document. Ever wonder why history is being changed so quickly and what is actually history is no more? Guns have no place in civilized society many believe which that too is a joke because it’s not about them not having them; it’s about you not having them.
When you look in history you will the puritans carried firearms to church for safety. They were Bible believing people who upheld Christian morals and values. Guns were as normal as carry the Bible. Both were needed and still are. They both too can save your life. Now safety from what or whom isn’t the question as the focus on the fact that they carried.
Generations ago pastors laid their firearms next to them on the pulpit while they preached. Now imagine that today! I personally would love venture to that on my next segment of “Living in Forgiveness” and see the response I get. And then there are those that believe that self-defense is only prayer and that even having a firearm is open season for attack; which of course perhaps is open season only by the media and its agenda. You are merely an unforgiver if you so decide to arm yourself with a firearm. How dare you be both a Christian and a firearm carrier and love your neighbor too? You extremist you! And so if you attend church do you know if your pistol packing pastor is unforgiving? Is your pastor unforgiving if he carries the latest Kimber 911? Or he is just upholding what once was the norm in history? Or is he/she more forgiving if a firearm is not present? Who decides?
The Bible is clear that we are to walk in love; it is a command. We are called to love God as it tells us in Mark 12:30-31: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’ There is no commandment greater than these.” And so if you carry a firearm are you considered unforgiving or unloving or not trusting the Lord? Or are you just prepared- which too by the way is a command to be prepared in and out of season. And in today’s society every day appears to be in season when you look carefully!
As we can clearly see the church is under attack. Christianity is under attack. Christians are attacked daily. Speaking anything in the name of Jesus is under attack and walking in love of others is even under attack as Target just proved by suing a man who saved a girl from her attacker at one of their stores. Oh yes stepping in to help others is being attacked. Go figure! (http://www.wnd.com/2016/05/target-sues-hero-who-saved-girl-from-store-stabber/) . Yet still love is the best way to be on the offense. Carrying a pistol simply prepared for defense.
And so is it possible when walking in love and living in forgiveness to carry a firearm at the same time? Find out. Don’t just judge. You may find that the next time you are in church and it’s the pastor with the pistol teaching about love and forgiveness that perhaps you will see everything from a different angle.
______________________________________________________
Today’s Scripture
Luke 11:21 “When a strong man, fully armed, guards his own house, his possessions are safe.”
______________________________________________________
Forgiveness Tip #7
Forgiveness changes your perspective.
______________________________________________________
Julie Blair is President of Julie Blair Ministries and host of ‘Living in Forgiveness’ television and radio programs that airs daily to over 3 Billion people on 5 continents. To learn more about forgiveness and the love of Christ visitwww.julieblair.com
Image Belongs to its Owner
Copyright 2016 © julieblair.com. All rights reserved. julieblair