I just watched a newscast where a pastor in Sacramento was celebrating the atrocities that were committed to PEOPLE in Orlando this weekend, stating that the only tragedy was that more were not killed. It makes me sick. I am a pastor and I take my responsibility very seriously. When I was called into ministry, something very strange happened. My heart became abnormally sensitive to people, all people, not just people like me or that live in my community or my country, not just people who think like me or have something to offer, but all people. I feel terrible that some will think that this guy has spoken for me, or others who identify themselves as Christians. Though he has not voiced my opinion, some will believe that that is how we all feel. 

 

First, please don’t put me in any categorical box or assume that you know how I feel about you because of what others who identify themselves as Christians may do or say. You may be surprised.

 

Second, know this, I love you. Not because you are different than me or because it seems like the right thing to say. No, I love you because you are a person. A human being that, like me, is created in the image of God.

 

I am so sorry that people are hurting and scared. I am sorry that people are insensitive and ignorant. I am sorry that, at a time when you need the love and support of people the most, there are those who take pleasure in your pain. I assure you, I am not one of them.