Phillipians 1:15-18

I have recently heard some critcisms of the Mel Gibson Film "The Passion of Christ" and I feel burdened to defend it. I watched the interview with Mel on NBC, or ABC, or whatever it was-that's not the point. Anyway, from that interview I saw a genuine man who had a deep faith and also admitted to being human and making mistakes every moment of every day. I saw a man whose life has been touched by Christ's hope and redemption and I saw pure motives behind the making of this film. I agree that the actor who played Jesus was a little too caucasion, but Jesus was a Jew and it's possible he wasn't as dark as a middle eastern man. Although satan was played by a woman, she looked just as much like a man to me... I could go on commenting on each negative thing said but it really doesn't matter, we've been told not to engage in petty arguments by Christ anyway. What I really want to say is that even if all of the negative thoughts and comments are true, even if this was all just to make a buck, The true Passion of Christ from the gospels is being shown on that screen in a light that I feel is the most accurate ever to be put on film. I feel that Mel told Christ's story with a painful accuracy that is what our savior endured. Even if Mel's motives were not right, the message is getting out there and people are talking about their faiths more. I did not go to see this movie because of the hype, in fact I got rather sick of the hype. I wanted to see if God was going to work through this film in my life and I also wanted to see if it had potential to truly reach others. I left touched and inspired by seeing so vividly what Christ did for me. Even if Mel Gibson's motives were false, Paul said that doesn't really matter if the gospel is being preached: "It is true that some preach Christ out of envy and rivalry, but others out of good will. The latter do so in love, knowing that I am put here for the defense of the gospel. The former preach Christ out of selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing that they can stir up trouble for me while I am in chains. But what does it matter? The important thing is that in every way, whether from false motives or true, Christ is preached. And because of this I rejoice" Phillipians 1:15-18

So do I, I rejoice that this film is out and I pray for all who see the it and pray that God will use it in a mighty way to advance His kingdom. His Word will not be returned void.