The State of Colorado recently passed a “Red Flag Law” that allows family members and concerned people to appeal to a judge to have a firearm temporarily removed from a person who is a danger to themself and others. The key word is “temporarily.” When the crisis period passes the weapon can be returned. The purpose is to save lives.
The response from 11 of Colorado’s county sheriffs has been to prepare to go to jail rather than enforce the law. According to CNN, 38 of Colorado’s 64 counties have passed formal resolutions against the law. “Many of the resolutions declare the jurisdictions to be Second Amendment ‘sanctuary’ or ‘preservation’ counties and pledge not to allocate resources to enforcement of the law.”
The prime question that is avoided is why would you be against a law that would save lives? David Hemenway of Harvard University says that a gun in the home increases the possibility of suicide by three to five times, and the risk of murder of a spouse by five times. Recently, a legislator shared a story when he was going through a rough time. He was a gun owner. He decided to voluntarily give his weapon to a friend. Why? Because he felt he may be a danger to himself. He stayed in his room for three days. He was wise enough to realize the risk of possible personal harm. Still, I would guess that as a loyal Republican he probably voted against the law. The basis for his vote? The Second Amendment (the second half): “…the right to bear arms shall not be infringed.”
However, as Christians, we are taught the crucial point off LOVE being greater than RIGHTS.
Jesus is obsessed with “one.” In Luke 14 he heals the man with dropsy. “So Jesus took him and healed him and sent him away.” In the Parable of the Lost Sheep, Jesus says, “Just so I tell you, there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents….” (Luke 15). Also in Luke 15, in the Parable of the Lost Coin, Jesus utters, “Just so, I tell you there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” In Luke 13 there is joy over a single mustard seed. I submit the Red Flag Law will save lives. One life at a time. Maybe your own.
I urge you to contact your state and national elected officials and urge them to support RFL. Love is greater than rights!
Peace!
Ron Letnes