LOVE, MERCY, GRACE AND JUSTICE!

Matthew 18:1-10 (New Living Translation) About that time the disciples came to Jesus and asked, “Who is greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven?” 2 Jesus called a little child to him and put the child among them. 3 Then he said, “I tell you the truth, unless you turn from your sins and become like little children, you will never get into the Kingdom of Heaven. 4 So anyone who becomes as humble as this little child is the greatest in the Kingdom of Heaven. 5 “And anyone who welcomes a little child like this on my behalf[a] is welcoming me. 6 But if you cause one of these little ones who trusts in me to fall into sin, it would be better for you to have a large millstone tied around your neck and be drowned in the depths of the sea. 7 “What sorrow awaits the world, because it tempts people to sin. Temptations are inevitable, but what sorrow awaits the person who does the tempting. 8 So if your hand or foot causes you to sin, cut it off and throw it away. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one hand or one foot than to be thrown into eternal fire with both of your hands and feet. 9 And if your eye causes you to sin, gouge it out and throw it away. It’s better to enter eternal life with only one eye than to have two eyes and be thrown into the fire of hell.[b] 10 “Beware that you don’t look down on any of these little ones. For I tell you that in heaven their angels are always in the presence of my heavenly Father. Matthew 19:13 & 14 (New Living Translation) One day some parents brought their children to Jesus so he could lay his hands on them and pray for them. But the disciples scolded the parents for bothering him. 14 But Jesus said, “Let the children come to me. Don’t stop them! For the Kingdom of Heaven belongs to those who are like these children.” 15 And he placed his hands on their heads and blessed them before he left. The verdict was just announced in the trial of Gerald Arthur (also known as "Jerry") Sandusky, a former assistant coach at State College (affectionately known as Penn State); in Pennsylvania. Mr. Sandusky was originally facing 52 counts connected to sexual abuse. I believe the judge dismissed 4 counts. When the jury went to deliberate the number of counts against Mr. Sandusky was 48. Minutes ago the verdict came down. Mr. Sandusky was found guilty on 45 of the 48 charges for sexual crimes against children. God loves us one and all! In fact, The LORD loves us all the same ... faults, failures and sins included. That said, God is also a just God and all of us would do well to remember this fact. Consider the verses of Scripture provided above- in context along with the rest of The Holy Bible ... and let's make a fresh commitment to love The LORD our God with all of our heart, mind, soul and strength- and to love our neighbors as ourselves. Remember Jesus Christ had a special place in His heart for children! Let's pray for all of the victims in this case- and every case like it around the world. Pray for the Sandusky family too. Victims are there as well. Agape, Pastor Fort, Servant of JESUS CHRIST