Fred Phelps

Fred Phelps. May not be the most recognizable name, but if I were to say Westboro Baptist Church, one might recognize that more. For those of you who don't know, here is a little bit about what they do:

Recognize it now? 

2 days ago, their founder and "pastor" died. I have seen a lot of twitter talk, facebook posts, and articles written about this death. A few examples:

"Who wants to protest #FredPhelps funeral with me? Bring drinks let's toast & roast!"

An alternative for "Rest In Peace" is "Rot In Hell."

People say being pumped that #FredPhelps is going to die makes you a bad person. No. Being #FredPhelps makes you a bad person.

“I've never wished a man dead, but I have read some obituaries with great pleasure.”

I think you get the picture... Hatred. So much hatred. 

How do we get off thinking that we can do the exact same thing that he did to so many? How do we think that hatred can be cured with more hatred? 

My heart breaks for this man. He lived his whole life full of hate, anger, and a wrong belief in a truth that wasn't true. He founded his entire life, career, family, thoughts, everything on this hatred. What kind of life is that? To me, that is a tragic one. 

Do I condone what he did? Of course not. Do I condone what he stood for? Of course not. I use the word church and pastor only because that is what they refer to themselves as, but please know that is not at all how I view the organization or him, especially when I myself am a pastor and belong to the Church. 

I guess what I am saying is that I just wish that people would have some compassion. Does he deserve it? Some would say no. But do I deserve it? Some could also say no. At the end of the day, God doesn't rank us based on our sins. To Him, we are all equal. He loves Fred Phelps and no one is more devastated that he is most likely in hell for the rest of eternity than Jesus Christ who died for Mr. Phelps. 

How dare we, those who did not pay the price for his soul, sit here and rejoice? That is not love. That is not Godly. Do not return hate with hate. My heart is sad. More importantly, God's heart is sad.