"...“for all who draw the sword will die by the sword." Matthew 26:52

Most of us woke up to learn of the death of the dictator Muammar Gaddafi, also known as "the man of a thousand name spellings."   He was an autocrat who abused his power and violated the human rights of the Libyan people.  It is understandable to see Libyans celebrating his death.

However, we should never celebrate the death of anyone.  No matter how evil or sinful a person may be, we are not the judge of his soul; God is.  Killing people to exact revenge is not justice.  For every weed you kill, a thousand more will appear.  We all are guilty of sin and evil.  As Psalm 130:3 says, "Lord, if you kept a record of our sins, who, O Lord, could ever survive?"  


We must forgive always.  It is not easy to do, but in the end it shows true character and brings sincere peace.  Celebrating the death of anyone is mocking the life of God in that person since we all are made in God's image and likeness.  


Let us pray for Libya, its new government and people.  May God guide that country to create a system that works for the common good of all.   May God forgive the sins of Muammar Gaddafi and the sins of the entire world.