Rick Warren says he forgives person who sold gun to son

By Joseph Serna

April 11, 2013 12 AM PT

Rick Warren said on Twitter Thursday that he forgives the person who sold his son the gun he used to kill himself.

Warren revealed Thursday that the gun was purchased on the Internet and was not registered.

“Someone on the internet sold Matthew an unregistered gun.I pray he seeks God’s forgiveness. I forgive him. #MATTHEW 6:15”

Warren later wrote on Twitter: “God never allows more on you than he puts in you to bear it.”

Sheriff’s Department records show no one in the Warren family is registered to carry a concealed weapon in Orange County, and authorities have said they were struggling to determine where 27-year-old Matthew Warren obtained the weapon.

A source close to the investigation confirmed it was a shotgun.

The death at the younger Warren’s home on Pradera Drive was reported to authorities about 5:25 p.m. Friday, Supervising Deputy Coroner Dan Aikin said.

In a statement to his congregation, Rick Warren talked about how “only those closest knew that [Matthew] struggled from birth with mental illness, dark holes of depression, even suicidal thoughts.”

Warren is the pastor at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest and is the bestselling author of “The Purpose-Driven Life.” He delivered the invocation at President Obama‘s inauguration in 2008.

The pastor described his son as a “kind, gentle and compassionate man” with a “brilliant intellect” and who was sensitive to the needs of others.

“Kay and I often marveled at his courage to keep moving in spite of his relentless pain. I’ll never forget how, many years ago, after another approach had failed to give relief, Matthew said, ‘Dad, I know I’m going to heaven. Why can’t I just die and end this pain?’ but he kept going for another decade.”

The family announced this week that they chose to honor Matthew Warren in a private funeral.

“Your kind words and sensitive notes to Kay and me have been such a blessing and encouragement,” the elder Warren said in a statement. “Many are asking about a funeral, and our family decided on a simple private memorial.

“Please continue to pray for the entire family.”

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@josephserna