Danny Heinrich has something very broken in his psychological, spiritual and physical life.
We do not know how long will he be in prison. We do not know if Danny Heinrich will change before his life on earth is over. We do know what Jesus desires of Danny. Jesus offers love, forgiveness and healing to him.
If Danny accepts Jesus offer and you are a Christian, then you and I will be a spiritual brother and spiritual sister to him. How do you feel about that? I am not so excited about the prospect.
There are things about me that are not like Jesus. My head knows about complete forgiveness, but my heart does not completely forgive. If you are like me, then you and I are exactly like the Pharisees who were angry at Jesus for hanging out with “sinners” and offering them love, forgiveness and healing. I am bothered by that.
You and I are not faced with a life together with Danny Heinrich. It may or may not ever happen. You and I are faced with becoming like Jesus and closing the gap of our old tendencies.
Matthew 5:43-48
“You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ 44 But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, 45 that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. 46 If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? 47 And if you greet only your own people, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? 48 Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.