Rick Warren's Son Used an Unregistered Gun He Bought on the Internet to Commit Suicide -- and Warren Has a Message for the Person Who Sold It to Him

When news spread over the weekend that Pastor Rick Warren's son, Matthew, was lost to suicide, Christians around the nation prayed fervently for the preacher's family. And now, just days after the 27-year-old's death, some new information has come out surrounding the tragic circumstances.

As confirmed on Warren's official Twitter account -- and widely reported in media -- Matthew used an unregistered gun that he purchased online to take his own life.

"Someone on the internet sold Matthew an unregistered gun. I pray he seeks God's forgiveness," Warren tweeted. "I forgive him."

Along with the proclamation, the head pastor of Saddleback Church in Lake Forrest, California, also shared an accompanying verse: Matthew 6:15. It reads, "But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins."

[blackbirdpie url="https://twitter.com/RickWarren/status/322434892828917760"]

[blackbirdpie url="https://twitter.com/RickWarren/status/322436594080555008"]

After sending this Bible tidbit, Warren also posted a number of additional tweets covering loss, grief and faith in the Almighty.

"God never allows more on you than he puts in you to bear it," he wrote in one message.

"When in pain, pray. When you worry, worship. When in grief, share it in your small group," he added in another.

Considering his family's pain, it was intriguing to see Warren also share Psalm 59:16, which covers praising the Lord in times of dispair.

"I will sing of your strength in the morning, I sing of your love for you are my fortress in times of trouble" Psalm 59:16," the preacher wrote on Friday morning.

[blackbirdpie url="https://twitter.com/RickWarren/status/322669327453130753"]

Matthew's death was announced in a statement on Saturday issued through Saddleback Church. TheBlaze previously reported on its contents:

“No words can express the anguished grief we feel right now. Our youngest son, Matthew, age 27, and a lifelong member of Saddleback, died today,” Warren wrote.

The statement described Warren’s son “an incredibly kind, gentle and compassionate young man” who had been struggling with depression and suicidal thoughts for years.

“In spite of America’s best doctors, meds, counselors, and prayers for healing, the torture of mental illness never subsided,” the pastor added. “Today, after a fun evening together with Kay and me, in a momentary wave of despair at his home, he took his own life.”

Earlier this week, TheBlaze also covered some of the vitriol that Warren has unfortunately faced in the wake of his son's untimely death.

(H/T: NBC News)

--

Other Must-Read Stories:

• Hollywood Actor Takes Aim at Gun Control, Gun Buybacks on Twitter
• Biden Warns of Using AR-15s for Home Defense in Odd MSNBC Appearance: ‘It Can Kill Your Kid in the Bedroom’
• What a Dentist Allegedly Did to This Man’s Teeth Will Likely Leave You Speechless: ‘I Am Going to Look Like a Freak Now’
• Investigation Reveals: Mo. Highway Patrol Gave Feds Confidential List of Concealed Carry Gun Permit Holders
• Rev. Jeremiah Wright’s Daughter Indicted on Charges of Money Laundering and Fraud — Here Are the Details