Graffiti is a relatively modern word, but an unfortunate one that we all have to live with and see these days. It is a malicious person’s attempt at artwork or uninformed and lewd communication.  Most of us around here being children of the South and brought up with the values that come forth from a deeper source, haven’t had to deal with graffiti problems until recently.  This has been a constant plague to larger cities for many decades. Why even now most paint stores sell “graffiti remover” for a modest price, and by the way it doesn’t work very well.

In response to the uninformed and sneaky graffiti artist(s) (Not!, as young people would say) who vandalized our sanctuary, I thought I would help you understand a few things about God, since you mentioned Him in your misspelled insults and rantings that you left behind on the walls of our church.  

You wrote that God hates … and then started your insults.  God does hate sin. He plainly lists what they are in many places in His written Word.  Check out Galatians 5:19-21. (People who practice these will not inherit His kingdom).

Also, in Proverbs 6:16-19, we read…there are six things the Lord hates, seven that are detestable to Him: haughty eyes (meaning a proud person and his proud lifestyle), a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood (this speaks volumes to the terrorists and so called martyrs of our new millennium). The next three really can apply to your handiwork (graffiti) vs. 4, “a heart that devises wicked schemes,”  vs. 5, “feet that are quick to rush to evil” vs. 6, “a false witness who pours out lies,” (especially writing them on church sanctuary walls) and “a man who stirs up dissension among brothers.” So you see, God does hate sometimes.

We at Fellowship Bible Church have started praying for you because we try hard to obey God’s principles as He reveals them to us. In Romans 12:17-19 we read: Do not repay anyone (and this includes graffiti people) evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everybody. If at possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.  Do not take revenge, my friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge, says the Lord.”

He ends this passage by saying that we can even overcome evil with good and that this “heaps hot coals on our enemies’ heads.” Many would consider your actions the work of an enemy but we forgive you and pray that you will experience God’s soul-saving grace (His unmerited favor toward all sinners) and one day come by and worship with us with a changed heart and we will welcome you with open arms.

Pastor Robert L. Quarterman
Fellowship Bible Church