What about this thing called love

I don’t want to keep bringing up a terrible topic as the ‘mass’ shooting in Colorado but something has been bothering me and I wanted to share it with my readers.
The other day our grand daughters were over and we were outside talking and the little ones who are eight year old twins went into the house with grandpa.
The oldest who is thirteen was sitting out there in the quiet with me.
We talked about the ‘shooting’ I don’t remember if she brought it up or I did.
Usually I don’t bring up things that are disturbing to children that is just my nature.
They should be children not worrying about life or death issues.
She is old enough to hear the news and see media somewhere so it was important for me to give her an opinion and I wanted to see if she was afraid.
She did say it scared her to go to a movie theater again.
We talked briefly about the ‘guy’ and how very disturbed mentally he was and how the media was portraying him.
My grand daughter Faith Elizabeth said to me, “but don’t you have to forgive him?”
I was silent.
My first reaction was ‘NO’
I don’t and neither does anyone else.
Then she said, “What would God do?”
Now that was a deep question for a thirteen year old to ask.
Again I sat there in silence because I truly had no words to give her.
There are rules that God has set out for us.
The ten commandments have in them ‘thou shalt not kill’.
Does God forgive this type of thing?
My first reaction… is perhaps my own wish or prayer.
No.
In saying that I am moved to a decision then
that begins another topic.
Is there anything according to God unforgivable?
What about my hardness of heart towards an offender who kills, injures or abuses?
Is that unforgivable?
Driving home tonight I heard on the radio a version of 1 Corinthians 13 from the message.
If I speak with human eloquence and angelic ecstasy but don’t love, I’m nothing but the creaking of a rusty gate.
If I speak God’s Word with power, revealing all his mysteries and making everything plain as day, and if I have faith that says to a mountain, “Jump,” and it jumps, but I don’t love, I’m nothing.
If I give everything I own to the poor and even go to the stake to be burned as a martyr, but I don’t love, I’ve gotten nowhere.
So, no matter what I say, what I believe, and what I do, I’m bankrupt without love.
Question: how are we supposed to act towards this type of violence?
She challenged me to think
which is why this is called ‘something to think about’.
My goal always was and has been to leave the reader with a need to think.
What ARE we supposed to do or say when it comes to these types of issues?
My grand daughter wanted an answer and
I honestly could not give her one.

4 Comments

Beth on July 26, 2012 at 1:15 pm

I think forgiveness and letting the person 'off' with no consequences are two different issues. I think until the victims and their loved ones forgive this guy, they will not be totally free of what he did. In not forgiving him, he continues to victimize them.
I have come to that realization after being a child victim of something awful. There is so much to tell, but I should use my own blog for that. (You do get me to think and start writing!)
It wasn't until 5 years ago at age 54 that I forgave him (I was 4 when it occurred). I no longer live in fear of him and he has lost any control over me. Forgiveness isn't so much for the perpetrator as it is for the victim–that's how I see it.
That does not mean you hug him and say, Hey, you're a nice guy–get on with your life! I do not see how this CO shooter should go free. However the prosecutor said something that really made me think. She said a 'death sentence' would take a toll on the victims and their families for years and years(loose interpretation)—I guess meaning all the appeals that go into a death sentence where it's all rehashed and the victims have to show up and try to make certain it's not changed. Hmmm–never quite thought of it that way.

I do think your granddaughter is on to something and I think it's wonderful you two were able to talk about it.

Cooking Up Faith on July 26, 2012 at 7:38 pm

I think the book of Malachi might be a good book in the Bible to read right now. Reflections on God's justice is always right and fair, and He will let nobody go unpunished, yet those who do turn to Him and seek forgiveness through Christ Jesus are set free from punishment and are saved through Jesus.

Danise Jurado on July 27, 2012 at 3:37 am

Powerful and so thought provoking… forgiveness. Sometimes so much easier than others. I believe from the bottom of my heart that extending forgiveness doesn't mean that we are saying that what the person did is right or even that they deserve forgiveness… rather that forgiveness frees our heart from the weight of bitterness and anger… Forgiving others is more for us then it is for the one we are forgiving. Yet, not at all easy to do especially when the offense is so deep and far reaching. In fact, I think it is only possible with Christ.
Great Post Sharon!

Vanessa Brantley Newton on July 27, 2012 at 12:19 pm

Hello my very blessed friend! What a fabulous and meaningful post! I love your honestly. Thanks for stopping by while I was on vacation. I wasn't able to get back to you , but you can purchase the book that can be signed from paypal. In box me your address and I will send you out a fund request from PayPal and I will send you the signed book. Thanks so much for asking. I pray that all is well in your camp. God is awesome and worthy of praise. To God be the glory.
Hugs
V
oohlaladesignstudio@gmail.com

Beth on July 26, 2012 at 1:15 pm

I think forgiveness and letting the person 'off' with no consequences are two different issues. I think until the victims and their loved ones forgive this guy, they will not be totally free of what he did. In not forgiving him, he continues to victimize them.
I have come to that realization after being a child victim of something awful. There is so much to tell, but I should use my own blog for that. (You do get me to think and start writing!)
It wasn't until 5 years ago at age 54 that I forgave him (I was 4 when it occurred). I no longer live in fear of him and he has lost any control over me. Forgiveness isn't so much for the perpetrator as it is for the victim–that's how I see it.
That does not mean you hug him and say, Hey, you're a nice guy–get on with your life! I do not see how this CO shooter should go free. However the prosecutor said something that really made me think. She said a 'death sentence' would take a toll on the victims and their families for years and years(loose interpretation)—I guess meaning all the appeals that go into a death sentence where it's all rehashed and the victims have to show up and try to make certain it's not changed. Hmmm–never quite thought of it that way.

I do think your granddaughter is on to something and I think it's wonderful you two were able to talk about it.
Cooking Up Faith on July 26, 2012 at 7:38 pm

I think the book of Malachi might be a good book in the Bible to read right now. Reflections on God's justice is always right and fair, and He will let nobody go unpunished, yet those who do turn to Him and seek forgiveness through Christ Jesus are set free from punishment and are saved through Jesus.
Danise Jurado on July 27, 2012 at 3:37 am

Powerful and so thought provoking… forgiveness. Sometimes so much easier than others. I believe from the bottom of my heart that extending forgiveness doesn't mean that we are saying that what the person did is right or even that they deserve forgiveness… rather that forgiveness frees our heart from the weight of bitterness and anger… Forgiving others is more for us then it is for the one we are forgiving. Yet, not at all easy to do especially when the offense is so deep and far reaching. In fact, I think it is only possible with Christ.
Great Post Sharon!
Vanessa Brantley Newton on July 27, 2012 at 12:19 pm

Hello my very blessed friend! What a fabulous and meaningful post! I love your honestly. Thanks for stopping by while I was on vacation. I wasn't able to get back to you , but you can purchase the book that can be signed from paypal. In box me your address and I will send you out a fund request from PayPal and I will send you the signed book. Thanks so much for asking. I pray that all is well in your camp. God is awesome and worthy of praise. To God be the glory.
Hugs
V
oohlaladesignstudio@gmail.com