THANKFUL

Monday, October 25, 2021

Lord, I don’t know Alec Baldwin personally. His animosity toward Christians and conservatives is well known. Baldwin’s movie-set tragedy of the apparently accidental shooting death of a lady and wounding the director leaves Your followers with a choice. While a few commentators offered sympathies, most comments have been brutal. So, how does this tragedy affect us and what is the choice Your followers face? As a believer in Christ Jesus, do we practice Your teachings in the Beatitudes, “Blessed are the merciful, for they will be shown mercy,” (Matthew 5:7) or do we smile, if not gloat, and take on the attitude that “Yeah! he finally got what he deserved!” and celebrate to see Baldwin receive his comeuppance? Your teaching of the Beatitudes is so against our human nature, especially the last one: “Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me . . .” Matthew 5:11).

Baldwin is reported broken and inconsolable. By offering mercy toward Baldwin, we are not pardoning his actions nor dismissing any consequences he may have to pay. But we show mercy by disciplining our flesh to withhold critical judgments and not heap more condemnation on his devastated soul. I’m reminded of the truth of James 4:5 “God opposes the proud, but shows favor [grace] to the humble. Baldwin’s brother, Steven Baldwin, is a strong Christ-follower and has undoubtably been praying for Alec’s salvation.  Lord, may I join Steven’s faith and pray You use this tragedy to bring Alec Baldwin to You.    

And Jesus, May I never forget the undeserved mercy You showed to me. Amen