PRAYER PROMPT ••• Charles Manson died.
Anytime I hear of someone passing, I wonder if they ever accepted Jesus.
Charles Manson is no exception.
This man was the definition of evil personified.
Yet, Jesus’ gift of salvation was extended to him too.
Whether Manson accepted it is between him and Jesus.
As Christians, we need to remember that none of us are better than he was.
To God, sin is sin is sin.
It’s all vile and disgusting.
From the little white lie to the villainous acts that put Charles Manson behind bars.
Our justice system is a good and necessary thing to punish people, but it’s God’s place to judge their souls.
John 3:16 applied to Manson too, and if he accepted it, God’s grace was big enough to cover him.
2 Peter 3:9 says, “The Lord is not slow to fulfill his promise as some count slowness, but is patient toward you, not wishing that any should perish, but that all should reach repentance.” (Emphasis mine.)
ANY.
Even people like Charles Manson.
Isn’t that amazing??
It’s not my place to judge, but unfortunately, I’ve never read anything to suggest Manson humbled himself before God.
However, deathbed confessions are real (as we know from the thief who hung on the cross beside Jesus), but what a dangerous way to live, holding out hope there will be time to make one.
We have one life to make a decision for Christ, and I believe physical death removes future choices.
So I’m not suggesting prayers for Charles Manson.
What I am suggesting is that we look at him as an example.
We need to remove the filters of our earthly judgment so we can remember to look at others through the lens of love.
The way Jesus looks at us.
And in that process, remember it’s not up to us to decide whether someone would be interested in hearing the Gospel, but allow the Holy Spirit to use us to share with anyone who crosses our path.
To give them the same opportunity to embrace Jesus’ gift as we have.
Today, as you pray, ask God to give you a heart to look at others, not based on their works or choices.
But to see them as He does.
Sinners (like us) who need grace and compassion.
Ask Him to embolden you to share your faith, even with those the world would call the most unlikely candidates.
