Responding to the death of Fred Phelps

Fred Phelps almost protested at my church once.  They decided not to after they realized they weren't going to get on television, or anywhere near the funeral procession (one of the perks of our church basically owning the whole block).  But our little community was ready for them all the same.

Some were ready to ignore them.  Some were ready to ask them why they had come.  Others, I am sure, were ready to do them bodily harm if they stepped off the curb toward the grieving family of an American hero.

Today, as I learned about Phelps' death, and as the nation wondered how it should respond, it was the words of Jesus that came to mind:

 "Ye have heard that it hath been said, 'Thou shalt love thy neighbor, and hate thine enemy.'  But I say unto you, Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you."

I'm not sure anything else needs to be said.

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