Now, what's YOUR story?

 Ann’s story: 

“Well, he’s dead.”  Ann said it quietly so that her friend could hear clearly, but without  drawing the attention of the kids.  The two friends were pushing their girls on the swings at the weekly meet-up in the park. 

Candace laughed at the abrupt announcement:  “You didn’t do it, did you?” 

“No, of course not.  But I’d probably be a hero if I did,” Ann said with obvious disgust in her voice. 

“Whoa, whoa—before I break out my tap shoes, please tell me whose grave we’re dancing on!”  Candace was amused and puzzled at the strange conversation she found herself in. 

“The abortion doctor!  Didn’t you see the news?  Years and years of killing babies!  Early, mid, even late term abortions!  Reproductive rights—gimme a break!  If I could go to the funeral I’d strangle him right there in the box just to make sure he’s dead.” 

Candace was thoughtful and Ann noticed.  “Oh come on!  You’re the one that convinced me to start volunteering down at the women’s center.  You taught me to hate abortion!  Don’t tell me you’re going soft!” 

“On abortion?  No, not for a second,” Candace answered quickly.  “I’m just thinking of the doctor.  Apart from faith in Jesus, he’s gone to his eternal reward—and I wouldn’t wish that on anyone.” 

Ann’s forehead wrinkled.  She responded with less energy, but more sass:  “Any other mass murderers you’re fond of?” 

“I’m not fond of any of them.  My blood pressure goes up just to say his name.  And to be perfectly honest, I struggle to love him in any sense whatsoever; even though God does.  Extreme examples like the doctor’s make me shake my head when I remember that God loves all mankind—loves them so much that he sent his son.”   

“Love your enemies,” said Ann quietly.

Both were thoughtful now, and Candace replied slowly:  “Yeah.  And “not wishing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.  It’s hard.  Your heart isn’t wrong when it craves justice.”   

The story of us all:

We believe that God loved us—not because we were loveable, but because he is love.  All people are invested with worth because they are created in the image of God; regardless of race, sex, age, or ability.   All people are loved by God and need Jesus Christ as their Savior. 

One important Scripture:

John 3:16 – "For God so loved the world that he gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life." 

Now, what’s your story?  You’ve heard Ann’s story, you know the story of us all.  Now, let’s talk! 

• Do you believe God loves all people?
• Do remember a time when Jesus softened your heart toward someone you could not respect?
• It has been said that the deep things of God are not obscure doctrines, but the magnitude of love set by his own magnificent character.  Do you agree?  If so, how is love deep?
• Have your own flaws made it hard to believe that God loves you?
• When has it been tough for you to see people the way God sees them?
• Have you thought about how to stand up for the oppressed without harboring hatred for the oppressor?
• ·How is it that love is universally valued, and yet hatred is so prevalent in the world?