Love Wins

A friend of mine posted on Facebook that he saw a bumper sticker that said “Love Wins”.  He said he did not know what that meant but he beat that car through the intersection.  Good post.  His post set off a bit of a firestorm about Rob Bell & his book by the same name.  I think the bumper sticker has been around longer than Bell’s book.  I have read this book.  I liked it.  I didn't quite understand what the issue was.  Bell merely explained Scripture that references hell.  I found “Love Wins” helpful.  I have read Bell’s other books as well.  What struck me as odd is that the topic of heaven & hell Bell also discussed in “Velvet Elvis”, which was a critically acclaimed book.  So how was it acceptable to agree with Bell in one book, but blast him in another that expanded on the first.  Please note that I have not heard Bell preach or been in his former church.  I have only read his books & seen a few of his NOOMA films.  My opinion is based solely on those.  However, my opinion on Bell’s books is not my point.  Who am I to judge Rob Bell in the first place?  Who am I to judge anyone really?  Jesus, himself, said, “If anyone of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at her.”  John 8:7b  Jesus also told us “Do not judge, and you will not be judged.  Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned.  Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”  Luke 6:37  What does all this mean?  No matter what I think of Rob Bell or anyone else, I must drop my stones.  I don’t have a clue who will go to heaven.  We should all thank God that I don’t get to decide.  Yes, it is very difficult to forgive & not judge.  One of my best friends sent me another Facebook post regarding what a politician said about rape & pregnancy.  Let me just say that it’s especially hard to drop all my stones not only for the politician, but all the people who posted comments on that post. (see Love Storms Part 1)  My coworkers will also tell you I have my moments where I’m judgmental.  God have mercy on me.  I confess I love judging others, but it’s not my place.  For that, I repent.  I want God’s mercy & compassion, but I must also extend it to get it back.  So I sit at my laptop, attempting to empty my pockets of all the stones, gravel, pieces of sand & grit which I will use to hurl at someone.  I pray that God will forgive me.  He wants me to show His love to others, to be His light in this dark & broken world.  In my humble opinion, Rob Bell is right.  Love does win.  God’s love is unfailing, unending, & eternal.  I have no idea how big God’s grace & mercy are.  Someday I’ll get to find out.  I pray you will get to find out as well.  I have a feeling that once we get to heaven, we won’t care who’s there.  We just might rejoice when we see a face or two.  To my friend who was trying to be funny….it worked.  I laughed.