Guilty. But who isn't? That's my attitude about the news surrounding Mel Gibson's recent arrest and racist remarks.
I have to give Gibson props in that he came out and apologized twice. I haven't seen anyone else in Hollywood or Washington D.C. apologize for much of anything in a while. Mel Gibson should be treated just like anybody else when it comes to the criminal courts. And the court of public opinion should hold him responsible as a celebrity and a role model. But the public should also seek to reward contrition not punish it.
I would join the protests and call for shunning if Gibson refused to admit his fault and tried to play it cool. But he appears to be admitting his errors, seeking help and even willing to work to repair relationship with the Jewish community.
Why are people saying that what the movie star did in a drunken rage shows his true stripes? I have seen some people do some pretty stupid stuff while intoxicated, and I don't think it reflects the best of their humanity. If such actions truly reflect their character, then we must be honest and admit that we are all in the same boat as Mr. Gibson. No man, except Jesus, has ever been 100% righteous on his own account. We are all fallen beings with both good and bad elements to our character.
Maybe I am apt to cut Mel some slack because I too should have a DUI next to my name. But I don't. By God's grace I was never pulled over when I did foolish things in my early 20s like drink alcohol and then get behind the wheel. I could have a mug shot too. But the Lord was gracious to me.
I am not writing these things because Mel Gibson claims to be a Christian. No, I am praying for him because that is what is the right thing to do, and I hope that Jewish leaders will reach out to him because that is the best way to respond. Just as God has shown mercy to Jew and Christian alike for generation after generation, we should do the same thing when someone is truly repentant. And if Gibson's statements are just a ploy, then the genuineness of his recent words will come to light in time.
And when it comes to racism, if we are truly honest, we all have had racist thoughts or even said racist things at some times in our lives. I went to college and discovered that I had racist attitudes toward African Americans. Today, I am actively discipled by a black pastor. We are all a work in progress.
I still struggle with racism. I don't really understand Arab people and have a real hard time reaching out to them. God has been working on my heard to pray for Arabs and to pray for their eyes to be open to Jesus' love. But each time I watch TV about Muslim terrorists, my mind wanders toward racist thoughts again. God keeps on reminding me the blindness of our hearts apart from Him. The Arab people are no different.
I am thinking about these thoughts as I prepare to go on a trip to Israel in October. I am going now to support Israel during its crisis. Our team is carrying medical supplies and will work with other Christians in the area to show love and support. We are praying for the peace of Jerusalem. Much of the trip is geared toward spiritual pilgrimage which will help us learn how to pray for and serve Jewish people back home in America. Please pray for me and the rest of our team as the time draws near for our trip. May Yeshua give us a greater heart for the Jewish people and the resources to bless our neighbor, Israel.
