On Lost Friendship, God, Hell, and Repentance

(I posted this on my Facebook about Richard back in 2011.)

I understand now more than ever what it means for God to love us all, but turn away from the ones who hurt and destroy without repentance.

Because they have done wrong and do not repent, He must turn away.

But if only they will turn from hurting and destroying, and decide to do right, He will snatch them up in His loving embrace, even from the pits of Hell.

I know how it feels to turn away from someone I love because I must.  But if that person ever repented, I would take that person back to my fellowship in a heartbeat.

Never think that God turns His face away out of hate; His eyes are full of tears.