We are responsible for words, deeds

Even after decades voting Republican, as a conservative, I could not care less the GOP has control of the House and Senate. Because the division between parties has been blurred to shades of indifference, but the worse revelation is how blind Americans have become to the original purpose of our Republic's foundation, of the individual's right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.

Unfortunately, there are those who would ignore the responsibilities each person has considering the consequences their words and deeds have upon another's life, caring more for selfishly held wants and desires deemed more important than another's simplest needs. A problem every person needs to overcome daily, but multitudes never acknowledge as part of their shortcomings.

Republicans can compromise their beliefs for the sake of votes, but as a Christian, to compromise upon any Scripture seemingly offensive would mean a denial of Jesus as our Savior.

'Imagine there's no heaven, it's easy if you try, no hell below us above us only sky ...” these words by John Lennon symbolize the emptiness of conviction of Christians who worry of offending people more than sharing the Gospel, caring more to be seen as peacemakers instead of suffering public condemnation for the sake of God's word.

'A heart full of God knows how to love” is my favorite saying because only then can the joy, peace, patience, gentleness, goodness, meekness, faith and calming moderation of God's presence be seen by the fruit of faith (Galatians 5:22,23).

Richard J. Tjarks

Hiawatha