Massey spoke truth in love

In response to the many responses that followed Steve Massey’s column, I would like to point out the glaringly obvious detail that Massey’s detractors have missed: Massey’s call was for people of faith to love and show compassion for others. Now, in the last three days I have seen letters and responses to Massey downgrading him, castigating him and asking for a public apology, accusing him of “spewing hatred and vitriol.”

Read the column again. Re-read it. Let the words sink in. Not once did Massey call for the hatred or belittling of people, but rather a rallying cry for the love of Jesus Christ.

The gospel tells us that all have sinned and fall short of God’s glory (Rom 3:23). And because of that sin, we need a savior, who sacrificed himself for you and for me. By believing in him alone can we be freed from the penalty of our sin and made right before God. That new birth in Christ is the birth of a new identity in Jesus made righteous.

We all need that identity in Jesus, and Massey only points out the truth that we as people who love Jesus need to love others enough to tell them the truth of the gospel, regardless of reaction or backlash. Speak the truth in love.

Justin Chartrey

Spokane Valley