Forgive the mistakes I have made

Can I start by saying I’m sorry? In my four years here at Chadron State there have been all sorts of religious debate over political views, gay rights, ethics, morality, and the list goes on. There are many Christians who stand for what they believe is right and what the Word of God says.

Now I agree with the Word of God, but it seems that something may have been missed along the way.

Among the debates and discussions about how damned all of those people are and how righteous all of these people are I think I failed to remember how loved all of us are.

I am sorry for the crusades. For the do’s and dont’s.  I am sorry for the laws passed to try to make you conform to some sort of personal ideal.  There is no love in that.

I am sorry for the self righteous neighbor who told you you were going to hell because you listened to Rock music, or don’t attend church.

I am sorry for the hurt dealt to you by those who claimed to want to be your friend, but then distanced themselves from you because of something you did or believed.

They claim to follow a man who loved and accepted, yet throw their rules and hate at you.  I am sorry for those who speak the name of Jesus yet have no intention of showing love by their actions.

I am sorry that I have done this to you.  You sat in my communications class and saw me profess some sort of Christian idea, and then never visit with you or never give you the time of day.

You were in humanities class and I identified with Christ yet failed to show love, joy, peace and righteousness.  And tomorrow I will probably walk by you and not wave, say hello, or even smile. I just owe you an apology.