To all:
Many go by their guns because that is all they have ever known. One must say... I must carry a gun because of some crazy who may shoot up the store. Well, somebody who drives badly can just as also equally kill you and others. What if somebody hits you in the back of the head while your not looking in the store and they use your gun to kill everyone in the store? What if you passed out and or died and the same thing happens? So how helpful was your weapon? It wasn't. Your weapon led to the death of others. People here act like God is not in control of what happens in life and God is not capable of protecting His people (If God desires that).
Job 1:21 says, “...the Lord gave, and the Lord hath taken away; blessed be the name of the Lord.”
But the gun carrier does not believe these words in Scripture. They think God has left us to fend for ourselves and God is not capable of protecting us anymore.
Psalms 91:10-11 says,
“There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling.
For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways.”
Psalms 91:12 (BSB) says,
“They will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.”
Romans 8:28
“And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.”
But the key question is: How can we love God if we don't love our neighbor?
Christ was willing to lay down his life in sacrifice for others.
Jesus did not use violence upon others to carry out God's plan of salvation upon the cross.
Jesus died as a sacrifice of love as an example for us all.
Matthew 5:44-45
“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; That ye may be the children of your Father which is in heaven: for he maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust.”
Colossians 1:21 NIV
“Once you were alienated from God and were enemies in your minds because of your evil behavior.”
We while were once enemies of God (in our old life before coming to God), if we continue in the faith, by the body of his flesh and in his death, we are holy, blameless and beyond any rebuke or disapproval (See: Colossians 1:22).
God gives us His grace and His love and favor (While we were enemies before). God gave us a chance. How much more should we give a chance to those who also seem undeserving or who seem without any hope?
This is why we are to love our enemies to lead them to the cross and grace of Jesus Christ, so that they too can be saved. But if we shoot them, we shut up grace for them. We leave them with no hope.
If my life ends up being a sacrifice for Christ and that leads a person to Christ by my death, praise the Lord Jesus Christ. May He get all the glory. Praise Him!