Click Now to Order

FORGIVENESS 

A Grinch of sorts was busy in South Florida this past holiday season. On Christmas Eve, Ron and Helen Meijer found a ransom note in their front-lawn nativity scene. The plastic baby Jesus had been kidnapped. The kidnappers did not demand money. Instead, they made a demand the Meijers refused to meet. 

The ransom note included a symbol of evolutionists: a outline of a fish with feet and the word Darwin printed inside. The note said, "If you ever want to hear from Jesus again, put this on your car Christmas Eve and park out front." 

"We did not, of course put the anti-Christ message on our car," said Ron Meijer, a retired executive. His wife echoed the sentiment. "They can steal all the plastic dolls they want to, but they can't steal what's in my heart," said Helen Meijer. 

The thief apparently had a change of heart, because Christmas morning, the plastic doll reappeared. The local sheriff's office is investigating the incident. The baby-napper could face 60 days in jail and a $500 fine if convicted of the second degree misdemeanor. 

The Meijers continue to demonstrate the presence of Jesus. Not the plastic doll of the manger scene, but the Risen Savior. "I think I could forgive the person and show them God's love," Helen Meijer said. 

—www.newscoast.com/2news.cfm?ID+58769, Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell. 

Matthew 5:44 NASB "But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you." 

________________________________________ 

FORGIVENESS 

A homeless man from Salem, Oregon John Ramer had become known as the “six million dollar” at the Union Gospel Mission in Salem because he received a bill from the IRS demanding he pay $5,981, 104.02 in past-due taxes and penalties. 

When Ramer asked how a homeless person could owe so much in taxes, the IRS started an investigation. They discovered that when Ramer had worked at a snack bar in 1994, the company’s computer had mistakenly ballooned his $35 paycheck into over $2 million in earnings. Since the mistake occurred in 1994, penalties and interest turned the tax debt into nearly six million dollars. 

When questioned about the problem, Ramer’s former employer said he didn’t remember Ramer’s brief stint behind the counter, but did recall some problems with the company’s W-2 forms about ten years ago. When the IRS notified Ramer about the mistake, and told him he owed nothing, Ramer’s response was “It was the luck of the draw that it happened to me.” Ramer adds that despite a lot of publicity about his case, his financial situation has not improved, except that a reporter did buy him lunch, and someone else gave him a t-shirt. 

—Associated Press, Homeless Man Gets $6 Million Tax Bill, Monday, April 7, 2003. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell. 

When God forgives our sins, it isn’t because He discovered an accounting error. We’ve sinned against a Holy God and stand guilty before Him. God’s forgiveness is based upon His righteousness; not ours. God has paid our debt from the riches of His grace. 

Ephes. 1:7-8 NIV “In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace [8] that he lavished on us with all wisdom and understanding.” 

________________________________________ 

FORGIVENESS 

Actor John Voight has taken his private family feud with actress-daughter Angelina Jolie public. In an interview with a syndicated TV show, Voight said he is “broken hearted” that Jolie will not talk to him. He says when he tried to approach his daughter at a recent party; a security guard turned him away. 

Voight said, “ I’ve been trying to reach my daughter and get her help, and I have failed, and I’m sorry.” Voight believes he is to blame for much of the problem, acknowledging that when she was young, he had an affair and subsequently left his wife and family. 

Jolie refused to respond to her father’s remarks. In a statement, she said, “ I don’t want to make public the reasons for my bad relationship with my father.” She said she has determined that it is not healthy for her to be around her father, especially since she was now responsible for her own child. 

Father and daughter did manage to put aside their differences when they worked on a film last year, but apparently the rift has widened again. 

—Associated Press, August 2, 2002, Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell 

Seeking the forgiveness of people we have wronged is risky. There is no guarantee they will respond. The good news is God’s forgiveness is unconditional. He forgives anyone who comes to Him asking for forgiveness. 

1 John 1:9 NIV “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us ours sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 

________________________________________ 

FORGIVENESS 

At a family reunion, the former all-pro defensive captain of the Chicago Bears, Mike Singletary heard an accusation that left him stunned. His cousin David Singletary said the family needed to break the "Singletary curse." The curse was destroying their families. 

"We need to turn things around," David said. "Take responsibility for our families, be faithful to our spouses, set an example to our children, and get away from the evil paths that had wrecked Singletary homes and disrupted Singletary lives." 

Mike let David's words soak in. David was right. All of Mike's brothers have been divorced, some of them more than once. Only one of his sisters hadn't been divorced. Mike knew he was right-family had to be a higher priority. He was going to do everything he could to turn the curse into a blessing for his children. 

Mike said the starting point for "breaking the curse" is to forgive your own father for his shortcomings so you won't repeat the same patterns with your children. 

—Mike Singletary, Daddy's Home at Last, p. 57-59. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson 

For more information on Daddy's Home at Last, go to, http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0310229146/fm082-20
 
 

________________________________________ 

FORGIVENESS 

For as long as I have been alive there has been war in the Middle East. You would think that by now they would have resolved their issues; getting past whatever it was they needed to get past in order to live in peace. How many times in the past few weeks have I read of some act of aggression or people being killed in Israel? When will they get past it? 

I think from our side of the world we look at the situation between the Palestinians and Israelis and are baffled. "How hard can it be to get along? Why can't they just forgive each other and live in peace?" 

Forgiveness, after all, is the real issue isn't it? Actions of yesterday, last week, or even decades ago that are a cause for retaliation today, and, likely, tomorrow and who knows how much longer. Maybe forever. The hurt, the anger, the resentment, the hatred run so deep. Will they ever get past it? 

Ah, but then how many of us have also been hurt and have found it hard to forgive? Divorce, abuse, humiliation, being robbed, getting fired, being taken advantage of or stabbed in the back. People have hurt us. It seems so hard to forgive. People tell us, "This is going to consume you. Come on, get past it. Forgive. Forget."And we reply, "I would like to, but I can't." Why is that? 

Why do we find it so hard to forgive? 

When people wrong us it is like a debt that they now owe us. You could say they have robbed us. Love, joy, dignity, respect, and self-worth are things that people "steal" from us. They do this through abuse, gossip, taking advantage of, backstabbing, ridiculing, neglecting, cheating, leading us on, rejecting us and so on. 

One theologian, Timothy Keller, suggests that our ability to forgive depends on the amount of emotional wealth we have. In other words, if I have a vast reservoir of self-worth or dignity or joy, someone might gossip about me, verbally assault me or walk out on me and I can say, "That's okay. I forgive him. There is plenty more where that came from." 

Thus our lack of forgiveness is not a matter of stubbornness but of emotional poverty. 

This then forces the question: Why am I so emotionally impoverished that I cannot forgive? What would it take for me to become a forgiving person? 

As far as I can see it is simple: Experiencing forgiveness. 

—http://members.truepath.com/newbeginnings/forgiveness.html, Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Dave Bootsma 

Matthew 6:12 NASB “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” 

Pastor Dave Bootsma, a Fresh Illustrations subscriber and frequent contributor has a website that features his columns called "Keepin' the faith." To read them, go to: http://members.truepath.com/newbeginnings/articles.html 

________________________________________ 

FORGIVENESS 

Forgiveness flounders because I exclude the enemy from the community of humans and exclude myself from the community of sinners. But no one can be in the presence of [the Cross] for long without overcoming this double exclusion….When one knows that the torturer will not eternally triumph over the victim, one is freed to rediscover the torturer's humanity and imitate God's love for that person. And when one knows that the love of God is greater than [my] sin, one is free to see oneself in the light of the justice of God and so rediscover one's own sinfulness. 

—Miroslav Volf, The Spacious Heart, p.57. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Dave Bootsma 

For more information on The Spacious Heart, go to http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1563382016/fm082-20
 
 

________________________________________ 

FORGIVENESS 

Fred Luskin, a psychologist from Stanford University says, "Holding on to hurts and nursing grudges wears you down physically and emotionally. Forgiving someone can be a powerful antidote." 

Charlotte van Oyden Witvliet concurs. She is an assistant professor of Psychology at Hope College in Holland, Michigan who conducted a study with 71 volunteers that showed people who don't forgive experience "steep spikes in blood pressure, heart rate and muscle tension." Forgiveness, Witvliet found, helps people to remain calm. Forgiveness isn't about condoning what happened," Luskin said, "It is about breaking free from the person who wronged us." 

—Reader's Digest, March 2002, p. 173 Illustration by Jim L. Wilson 

Luke 17:4 NASB "And if he sins against you seven times a day, and returns to you seven times, saying, 'I repent,' forgive him." 

________________________________________ 

FORGIVENESS 

In 1982, Stephen Watt was a sheriff’s officer with the misfortune of pulling Mark Farnham over in a routine traffic stop. What he didn’t know is that Farnham was speeding for a reason—he’d just robbed a bank. Farnham shot Watt five times and left him for dead. 

Watt recovered, but lost the sight in one eye, and still carries a bullet near his spine. As you might expect, Watt became bitter towards Farnham. His anger grew until his wife intervened. She encouraged him to forgive his assailant, if he was ever going to be a true Christian. 

In 1986, Watt attended a revival service at the prison and spotted Farnham across the room. He walked over to Farnham and hugged him. Watt says, “ I had basically been dead from the time I got shot until 1986.” When he forgave Farnham, Watt says, “ It was just like God picked up a semi-truck right off me and I actually started living.” From all appearances, the forgiveness was complete; today the two men are best friends. 

Today, Republican Stephen Watt is a candidate in the Wyoming gubernatorial campaign and has promised that if elected, one of his first acts would be to release Farnham from jail. 

—http://www.charismanews.com, August 19, 2002, Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell 

Mark 11:25 NIV “And when you stand praying, if you hold anything against anyone, forgive him, so that your Father in heaven may forgive you your sins. 

________________________________________ 

FORGIVENESS 

In the book, An Invitation to Healing (Chosen Books, 2001), author Lynda Elliott writes, When I was in my twenties I was badly hurt by a neighbor. For months, I replayed the hurtful scene in my mind, talking about it often with a friend. As I expressed my feelings over and over, my pain became deeper and more invasive. It was becoming a part of me. 

One day as Lynda relived the scene again, her friend asked, Do you know we become like the people we think about most? Lynda says the Lord used that question as a wake up call. She says, I had a choice to make. If I choose to behold Jesus, to focus on Him, I could be transformed into His image. Likewise, if I continued to behold the image of my neighbor, I could be transformed into her image. In fact, that was already happening. 

Lynda's choice involved forgiving her neighbor. She reminds us that forgiving those who hurt us does not mean they go unpunished. It means that we step aside and allow the Lord to deal with punishment. If we are going to leave the matter in Gods hands, we must decide to trust Him. God does not take the hurts of his children lightly. If He says He will repay, He will repay. 

The recent terrorist attacks in New York and Washington D.C. offer Americans this same choice. We can choose to focus on the men who planned and executed the awful attacks, or we can offer forgiveness, and allow our Lord to handle the punishment. While we seek justice, let us be careful to maintain a proper focus, least we become like the evil men who inflicted this hurt on our nation. 

—An Invitation to Healing, Lynda D. Elliott, Chosen Books, 2001, pg. 37-38., Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell 

For more information on An Invitation to Healing, go to http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/0800792866/fm082-20
 
 

________________________________________ 

FORGIVENESS 

Judge Mackston is a "law and order" judge and usually throws the book at drunk drivers. But recently, he didn't send Ms. Yakkey to jail for a single day for killing Edward Babson while she was driving drunk. Instead, he gave her five years probation and sentenced her to speak in public school assemblies about the evils of drinking and driving. 

Why didn't he send her to jail? The victim's parents asked him not to. They did not want their son's death to be in vain… 

—The Today Show, 6-16-1997 Illustration by Jim L. Wilson 

Proverbs 25:21-22 "If your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; And if he is thirsty, give him water to drink; [22] For you will heap burning coals on his head, And the Lord will reward you." 

________________________________________ 

FORGIVENESS 

Researchers have discovered new truth behind the old adage, "To err is human and to forgive, divine." Studies suggest that people who forgive experience physical and mental health benefits. Research also indicates the beneficial health benefits vary by age, and are affected by a person's willingness to forgive others, their willingness to forgive themselves, and feelings of being forgiven by God. 

The study conducted by the University of Michigan and partly funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, found young adults; aged 18-44 were less likely to forgive others than middle aged adults (45-64) and older adults (65 and up). Younger adults were also less likely to believe they had been forgiven by God. 

People who forgive reported decreased psychological distress, including fewer feelings of restlessness, hopelessness, and nervousness. Young adults who reported high levels of self-forgiveness were more likely to be satisfied with their lives. Older adults who reported high levels of forgiveness for others were more likely to report increased life satisfaction. 

Ephesians 4:32 NIV "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ, God forgave you." 

—http://dailynews.yahoo.com, Journal of Adult Development 2001, December 31, 

2001. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell. 

________________________________________ 

FORGIVENESS 

Taysi Abu Saada (Tass) was a Fatah sniper, trained to kill Jews. His job was to instruct children about their duty to fight and kill Israelis. Moran Rosenblit was a soldier in the Israeli army who became bitter after a suicide bomber killed seven of his friends. 

In light of today's political climate in the Middle East, you wouldn't expect these two men to tolerate each another, much less be friends. But today, these former enemies talk to each other almost every day, and share a deep friendship and love. Tass left the Middle East and moved to Kansas City where he worked with Charlie, who introduced Tass to Jesus, who changed the PLO fighter's life. 

At the same time, God was working in the heart of Moran. After his friends were killed by the suicide bomber, Moran was not able to go to the funeral because he felt such deep inward pain. Two months later, two helicopters collided, killing 86 soldiers. Though none were Moran's friends, the mounting death toll left him more depressed. A Swedish girlfriend inspired Moran to leave Israel. He traveled to England and then the United States, where he roomed with a Christian family in California. Through this family's example, and the witness of friends, Moran received Jesus as His Messiah and was baptized. 

As Moran grew in his new faith, a friend invited him to a conference for Arab and Jewish believers. Moran said, "I had friends who were Arabs, but I always watched my back to make sure they wouldn't stab me in the back." Israelis cannot trust Arabs and Arabs cannot trust Israelis-that's a reality. Though not happy about it, Moran accepted an invitation to share his testimony at another conference. As he finished talking, a Palestinian man approached him. 

"I was a Fatah fighter," Tass told him. He looked Moran in the eyes and added, "I love you" Moran said, "I can't explain what that did to my heart when he said that." Tass asked Moran to forgive him in the name of his people for his friends who were killed by the suicide bomber. Moran also sought forgiveness for not being able to love and trust Tass and for his anger. 

Since that conference in March 2001, Moran and Tass speak to one another daily as their friendship grows. These former enemies now pray together in the name of Jesus-the one and only true God. Tass says, "Jesus touched my heart. It goes to show the world there is hope in Jesus." Moran adds, "Do you want a picture of the solution for the Middle East? If God changed my heart and Tass's heart, he can change anyone's heart." 

—www.assist-ministries.com, Tuesday, April 16, 2002, Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell 

Matthew 5:43-48 NASB "You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor, and hate your enemy.' [44] But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you [45] in order that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. [46] "\For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax-gatherers do the same? [47] And if you greet your brothers only, what do you do more than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? [48] Therefore you are to be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect." 

________________________________________ 

FORGIVENESS 

The United States Postal Service hopes to save millions of dollars by offering amnesty on its white plastic tubs used to deliver bulk mail to businesses. Over the last two years the “flat tubs” have disappeared from Postal Service Centers. Originally there were 20 million tubs, but last fall only 20,000 could be located. The replacement cost of the tubs would be almost $65 million. 

USPS spokesman, Mark Saunders says, “We need those tubs back—can you help us out?” He adds, “ Please bring these back in—no questions asked. You’ll probably get a big thank you.” Saunders says the Postal Service has faith in their customers that they will do the right thing and turn the tubs in. 

As an added incentive, The Postal Service points out that the tubs are federal property, with each one carrying a warning that there is a maximum fine of $1,000 and three years imprisonment for misuse or theft. 

—http://washingtonpost.com, Cost-Conscious Postal Service Wants Its missing Tubs back, January 20, 2003. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell 

In effect, the government is saying, “We can do this the easy way or the hard way…we’d prefer you do it the easy way.” Which is a similar choice we have. We can pay for our own sins, or accept the forgiveness God offers. Yes, the penalty for sin is harsh, but the Lord offers forgiveness to anyone who will come to Him. 

1 John 1:9 NIV “If we confess our sins; he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.” 

________________________________________ 

FORGIVENESS 

Tim Keller said, "At the very least, forgiveness prevents me from becoming as evil as the other party. The basic plot-dynamic of The Lord of the Rings revolves around the conundrum of the Great Ring of the Dark Lord. The 'good' people have found his ring, but they can't use his own power against him without becoming just like the one who made it. They can, as it were, defeat the Dark Lord, but only by becoming an evil Dark Lord in his place. Unless we forgive our enemies, our anger could turn us as demonic as it has turned them." 

Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Dave Bootsma 

________________________________________ 

FORGIVENESS 

When Chris Kirk returned home from a trip to Los Angeles in early January, he discovered that everything in his apartment had been coated with aluminum foil. The walls, ceiling, cabinets, and everything in between shimmered after a prank orchestrated by Kirk's longtime friend Luke Trerice who was staying in the apartment while Kirk was gone. 

Trerice covered everything in the apartment with about 4,000 square feet of foil, which cost about $100. He enlisted several friends to complete the job. They carefully unrolled toilet paper, wrapped it in foil, and then rolled it back up again. Trerice and his helpers covered Kirk's book and compact disc collections, but made sure each CD case and book would open and close normally. They even covered every piece of spare change with foil. 

When asked about the strange joke, Kirk said, "As I was trying to sleep last night, I realized that, actually it's creepy." When asked if he would ever allow Trerice to stay at his apartment unsupervised again, Kirk said, "I don't know. We'll see." 

Trerice said the idea was done on the spur of the moment. He said, "I really don't even consider it art. I consider it a psychology project. He seems to be upbeat, so I consider this a success." 

—Associated Press, Apartment Encased in Aluminum Foil, January 8, 2004, Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell. 

I suppose one moral to this story could be to exercise extreme caution before you invite someone to stay over at your home. But that’s not the one I’m going for here. Can you imagine how Kirk must have felt the first time he walked into his home and saw the aluminum foil covering everything? Seize that thought for a moment. Think about the total amazement. Then think about your sin and the amazing fact that God has covered all your sin with His own blood, and in the process forgave you. 

Psalm 32:1-2 NASB "How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered! How blessed is the man to whom the Lord does not impute iniquity. And in whose spirit there is no deceit." 

________________________________________ 

FORGIVENESS 

When best-selling author Tony Hillerman was fourteen, he worked on a farm in Sacred Heart, Oklahoma. He learned about digging postholes, delivering calves and about forgiveness. 

One afternoon his boss, Mr. Ingram found a truck filled with his watermelons stuck in the mud. Mr. Ingram told young Tony to watch for the man to return to the "scene of the crime." When he did, Mr. Ingram said, "I see you're wanting to buy some watermelons." 

After a long pause, he cleared his throat and said, "Yep, whatcha gettin fer 'um?" 

"Two bits a piece," Mr. Ingram said. 

They finished the transaction and Tony and Mr. Ingram helped him get his truck out of there. After he left, Mr. Ingram said, "Son, if you don't forgive your enemies, you're going to run out of friends." 

—Reader's Digest, March 2000, p. 119 Illustration by Jim L. Wilson 

"But I say to you, love your enemies, and pray for those who persecute you." (Matthew 5:44 NASB) 

________________________________________ 

FORGIVENESS 

Would you hire this man who took out an ad in the Financial Post (Toronto) for Friday, Feb 23, 2001's paper? The ad said: 

"Employment Wanted, Former Marijuana Smuggler. 

Having successfully completed a ten-year sentence, incident-free, for importing 75 tons of marijuana into the United States, I am now seeking a legal and legitimate means to support myself and family. 

Business Experience 

Owned and operated a successful fishing business, multi-vessel, one airplane, one island and processing facility. Simultaneously owned and operated a fleet of tractor-trailer trucks conducting business in the western United States. During this time, I also co-owned and participated in the executive level management of 120 people world-wide in a successful pot smuggling venture with revenues in excess of 100 million annually. I took responsibility for my actions and received a ten-year sentence in the United States, while others walked free for their cooperation. 

Attributes 

I am an expert in all levels of security. I have extensive computer skills, am personable, outgoing, well educated, reliable, clean and sober. I have spoken in schools, to thousands of kids and parent groups over the past ten years on "The consequences of choice" and received public recognition from the RCMP for community service. I am well traveled and speak English, French and Spanish. References available from friends, family, the U.S. District Attorney, etc. 

Please direct all replies to: Box 375, National Post, Classified 1450 Don Mills, ON. M3B 3R5" 

I don't know about you, but I have mixed emotions when I read the ad. On one hand, he has paid his debt to society and should be given another chance. On the other hand, to be totally honest, I'm not sure if I would offer him a job if I had one available. Would you? 

Aren't you glad God's ability to forgive is better than ours? 

—Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Rod Ellis 

Psalm 103:12 "As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us."
 
 

FORGIVENESS/LOVE 

Pastor Jason Martin woke from a solid sleep to find firefighters dousing a 3 by 5 foot cross burning on the lawn in front of his family's home in a community north of Seattle, Washington. When authorities arrested two teens for investigation of felony malicious harassment, Martin told his church he hoped to talk to the boys himself. 

The Sunday after the incident, Martin told his church he wanted to tell the boys who set the fire that they were forgiven. He added that he would like to offer the young men guidance if they were willing to listen. Martin said, "We want to throw sticks and stones and cuss and all kinds of things when someone hurts us, but if we want to be good Christians, if we want to be a good community, I say send your enemy flowers." 

Martin asked his congregation to pray for the teens saying, "They may feel they've done something that can't be forgiven. They can be forgiven." 

—The Associated Press, Pastor Forgives Teens Accused of Cross Burning. March 28, 2004. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell 

Matthew 5:43-45a NIV "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' [44] But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [45] that you may be sons of your Father in heaven.”
 
 

FORGIVENESS/PARDON 

Maryland Governor Robert Ehrlich announced that he would pardon Michael Austin who “served 27 years for a crime he did not commit." Austin had been convicted of killing a convenience store security guard in a 1974 robbery. 

Records from Austin's employer revealed that he was at work when the robbery took place. There was no other evidence placing Austin at the scene of the crime that day. Two years ago, a judge overturned his conviction saying the defense attorney was incompetent, that the prosecution had committed errors and the original judge had issued faulty instructions to jurors. 

The governor said he talked with Austin and apologized, although he admitted words were very difficult to come by. By issuing a "full and complete" pardon, Ehrlich says Austin will be able to seek compensation from the state. The governor did not have a figure in mind, but asked, "What's a year worth? What's a month worth? What's 27 years worth?" 

Austin's lawyer said the pardoned man felt good about the situation. He said, "He was personally touched that the governor had spent so much time looking at the matter and that the governor personally called him." 

—Associated Press, Wrongfully Convicted Man Pardoned. November 1, 2003. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell 

It is good to see wrongs righted. Mr. Austin was wrongly convicted of this crime, and is now free. In this case, he was innocent of the crime, but the pardon Jesus offers is for people who are guilty of sin, yet we are pardoned just the same. 

Isaiah 55:7 NIV "Let the wicked forsake his way and the evil man his thoughts. Let him turn to the Lord and he will have mercy on him, and to our God, for he will freely pardon."
 
 

FORGIVENESS 

In the first episode in season three of "Monk", Mr. Monk travels to New York to search for his wife's killer. At the end of the episode, he meets the man, who for a couple thousand dollars placed a bomb under her car. The man was near death, laying in a hospital bed, hooked up to a morphine drip. As Monk finished his questioning, the man asked, "Forgive me." Mr. Monk walked over to the morphine drip, turned it off while saying, "This is me turning off your morphine." A few seconds later, he turned it back on saying, "This is Trudy turning it back on." 

Mr. Monk's action was just—punishing his wife's killer. Trudy's action was merciful—forgiving him. 

Illustration by Jim L. Wilson 

Matthew 5:43-48 (TEV) "You have heard that it was said, 'Love your friends, hate your enemies.' [44] But now I tell you: love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, [45] so that you may become the children of your Father in heaven. For he makes his sun to shine on bad and good people alike, and gives rain to those who do good and to those who do evil. [46] Why should God reward you if you love only the people who love you? Even the tax collectors do that! [47] And if you speak only to your friends, have you done anything out of the ordinary? Even the pagans do that! [48] You must be perfect—just as your Father in heaven is perfect." 

________________________________________ 

FORGIVENESS 

An exhibit traveling the world is designed to illustrate the value of forgiveness is entitled, "The F Word: Images of Forgiveness." It is an exhibition showcasing the personal stories of real people who have experienced tragedy and then asking them how they were able to forgive the people who hurt them. Originally launched in Britain in 2004, the exhibit recently opened in South Africa, a country that embodies the ideals of forgiveness and reconciliation after a transition from apartheid to democracy. 

The display features people like the brother of a man killed in the World Trade Center on September 11, a woman held hostage and abused by Chechyan rebels, and Jo Berry daughter of Sir Anthony Berry who was killed in an IRA bombing. The exhibit reveals how difficult forgiveness can be. Sarah Lentanta who was shot during political violence in South Africa says that she hates the people who injured her, stating, "I'd like revenge." Father Michael Lapsey who is an anti-apartheid activist who lost both hands to a letter bomb says, he "can be more of a priest with no hands than with two hands." He has forgiven those who injured him and gone on with his life. 

Marina Cantacuzino who started the exhibit says she has broadened her definition of forgiveness and believes the exhibition can explore alternatives to retaliatory attacks, rather than focusing on super-human acts of stoicism. Cantacuzino says, "One day you might forgive and the next you hate all over again. My favorite definition of forgiveness is a struggle for understanding." She added, "Forgiveness is such a complex and difficult issue. Forgiveness can be the highest ideal or a soft option and it can be a dirty word for many." 

—http://www.bizcommunity.com/Article/196/98/9403.html. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell. 

Matthew 18:22-23 (CEV) "Jesus answered: Not just seven times, but seventy-seven times! [23] This story will show you what the kingdom of heaven is like: One day a king decided to call in his officials and ask them to give an account of what they owed him." 

________________________________________ 

FORGIVENESS 

The outside bulletin board at the Oconee Baptist Church in Bishop Georgia usually displays messages about upcoming events or sermon topics. After a thief broke in the church and stole an amplifier and guitars, the congregation used the message board to let the thief know what they thought about the act. 

Shortly after the burglary, the message board read, "To the person who broke in—God loves you." Other messages cite Bible verses, the congregation want the thief to read. 

Retired sheriff's deputy and church member Jimmy Love started putting up the signs, assuming the thief would likely pass by the church at some point. Love said, "I know he had been here before, because he knew where everything was and he knew where to park. I thought he'd be back, so I wanted to leave a little note and tell him that God loved him and that he would forgive him." 

The church's pastor Steve Powers said the congregation has a new security system and no longer allows band members to leave their guitars at the church. He added that they've replaced the guitars, but are more interested in forgiveness. Powers said, "At this point, we're more interested in letting him know that God will forgive him than having him arrested or finding the instruments. We're more interested in where he's going to spend eternity than finding the instruments." 

—Associated Press, Church tells thief: We forgive you, June 2005. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell. 

Ephesians 4:31-32 (NASB) "Let all bitterness and wrath and anger and clamor and slander be put away from you, along with all malice. [32] Be kind to one another, tender-hearted, forgiving each other, just as God in Christ also has forgiven you." 

________________________________________ 

FORGIVENESS 

The state of Texas recently executed the man known as the "Railroad Killer." Angel Maturino Resendiz was linked to at least 15 murders near railroad tracks around the country in the 1990s. 

As the time for his death approached, Resendez reached out for forgiveness, mumbling a quick prayer, saying "Lord forgive me, Lord forgive me." Then, turning to the relatives of his victims he said, "I want to ask you if it is in your heart to forgive me. You don't have to. I know I allowed the devil to rule my life. The convicted serial killer then added, "You don't deserve this. I deserve what I am getting." 

Though no one deserves forgiveness, Jesus makes it available as free gift to anyone who believes in Him. 

—http://www.statesman.com/news/content/gen/ap/TX_Railroad_Killer_Execution.html. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell. 

Romans 6:23 (CEV) "Sin pays off with death. But God's gift is eternal life given by Jesus Christ our Lord." 

________________________________________ 

FORGIVENESS 

When Pastor Larry Holley decided to close his used car business, he forgave the debts of his customers. Holley said he received a message from God telling him to forgive the debts totaling $191,673.06, with no strings attached. About 35 customers showed up at a news conference where Holley announced his unusual decision. Amid the prayers and tears of joy, each person received the title to their car, relieving them of their loans. 

At the news conference, Holley said, "Did I hear an audible voice? No, it was something deep down inside of me. The least I can do is relieve people of their material or financial situations." Holley says he hopes those who benefited will go on to relieve debts owed to them or wrongs committed against them. He added, "So it's like a chain." 

—The Flint Journal, Thank God, By Kristin Longley, August 2, 2006. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell. 

Matthew 18:32-35 (ESV) "Then his master summoned him and said to him, 'You wicked servant! I forgave you all that debt because you pleaded with me. [33] And should not you have had mercy on your fellow servant, as I had mercy on you?' [34] And in anger his master delivered him to the jailers, until he should pay all his debt. [35] So also my heavenly Father will do to every one of you, if you do not forgive your brother from your heart." 

________________________________________ 

FORGIVENESS 

An anonymous female basketball fan recently kept former NBA star Dennis Rodman out of some trouble with the law. Rodman allegedly failed to pay the bill at a gas station while driving through western Colorado in a charity road race. Glenwood Springs Police chief Terry Wilson said authorities were preparing the paperwork on the case, when they contacted the store and found that an unidentified woman had stepped in and paid the bill. 

A clerk told police that Rodman had stopped for gas. While in the gas station, he tried on a cowboy hat and said he liked it. He signed an autograph, then put $20 on the counter and left. The clerk said the gas bill was over $40 and Rodman never paid for the hat either. 

Wilson said authorities could not pursue any charges because the bill had been paid. He added, "Since they accepted payment, that was the end of any involvement by this department. As long as our local business was made whole and they're happy with that, I'm happy too." 

Police records indicate Rodman may have other legal troubles in Colorado. While driving through the state he received two tickets; one for speeding, and the other for speeding and reckless driving. 

—Associated Press, August 14, 2005. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell. 

Psalms 32:1 (NASB) "How blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, Whose sin is covered!" 

________________________________________ 

FORGIVENESS 

Jesus taught us to pray for forgiveness and to give forgiveness. For those of us who are Christians, that should be enough. Jesus said it, so I should do it. Recent studies however lend credence to Jesus' teachings. In his book, Gregg Easterbrook quoted several recent studies about forgiveness. Here are some of the findings. 

•             Being a forgiving person is essential to leading a contented life. Even when someone wrongs you, feeling fury or experiencing hate only causes your life to descend into unhappiness and resentment, then you are the one who suffers, not the person you are angry at. 

•             People who do not forgive the wrongs committed against them tend to have negative indicators of well being; stress, depression, cardio-vascular disease, so they only hurt themselves. 

•             People who do not forgive have higher rates of divorce, which reduces well being. This is true because married men and women consistently do better on health barometers, especially longevity and incident of depression than do the separated, the divorced, or the never wed. 

•             People who forgive, as a group, have fewer episodes of clinical depression and better social support than the unforgiving (social support means friends and family). Forgiving people are better at making friends than those who carry grudges. 

•             Older people are more likely to forgive than the young are. This suggests that the ability to forgive is a form of wisdom learned during the passage through life. Everyone knows that teenagers and young adults are, on average, more hot headed than the mature. This study shows that hotheadedness declines not because people lose the passion of youth but rather because they acquire the wisdom of experience. 

•             Older people are more likely to forgive than the young are, and older people who forgive have better overall health indicators than those who nurse acrimony. The benefits of forgiveness seem to benefit with age. An older person with a forgiving attitude may be rewarded with fewer stress disorders, longer life and other health benefits. 

—The Progress Paradox. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell. 

Matthew 6:14 (NASB) "For if you forgive others for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you." 

________________________________________ 

FORGIVENESS 

A twenty-eight year old Italian bricklayer threw his camera tripod at Berlusconi as the politician was walking through Rome's famous Piazza Navona on New Year's Eve. The tripod hit Berlusconi behind the right ear, causing a minor injury. 

After the attack, the bricklayer, Roberto Dal Bosco, told reporters he threw the tripod, "because I hate him." He later wrote a letter to Berlusconi saying he had acted in a moment of "deplorable euphoria." 

Berlusconi had a choice. He could try to get even with the man or he could forgive and seek reconciliation. In response to the letter, Berlusconi called Dal Bosco and said he was not going to press charges. Instead, Berlusconi said, "The next time you come to Rome, call me up. That way we could meet and look each other in the eye. Then you'll understand that I mean ill to no one. Berlusconi also reassured Dal Bosco's distressed mother, telling her, "I, too, have a mother." 

Some opposition politicians accuse Berlusconi of exploiting the situation, suggesting his confrontational style created the atmosphere for such an attack. Others say the decision to forgive was a show of generosity that would prove popular with the Italian people. 

—Reuters, January 5, 2005, Berlusconi forgives attacker. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell. 

Romans 12:17-18 (NASB) "Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men. [18] If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men." 

________________________________________ 

FORGIVENESS 

41 year-old Evangelina Gonzalez set an ominous record in Dallas by racking up $76,039 in fines for failing to pay tolls. The North Texas Woman is accused of failing to pay 2,953 tolls on the Dallas North Tollway and the Bush Turnpike, stretching back to February 2004. Along with the actual tolls, the fine includes penalties, and a $25 administrative fee for each violation. The Tollway Authority uses cameras and a database to catch offenders. 

Gonzalez was arrested and later released on the condition she appear in court on the Class C Misdemeanor charges. The Authority maintains a forgiving attitude for travelers who sometimes pass through booths without paying. Clayton Howe, director of the authority's toll programs and services said, "We recognize that sometimes you get in the wrong lane, or you don't have money. We don't punish people for that kind of activity." They don't even expect to collect all of the fees from Gonzales, but hope for a fair assessment from the judge. 

—Associated Press, Woman Has Nearly 3,000 Toll Violations, November 2, 2005. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell. 

There is no excuse for breaking the law, but here a great thought about forgiveness here. Could we forgive someone who had wronged us 3,000 times? 

Matthew 18:21-22 (NLT) "Then Peter came to him and asked, 'Lord, how often should I forgive someone who sins against me? Seven times?' [22] 'No!' Jesus replied, 'seventy times seven!'" 

________________________________________ 

FORGIVENESS 

In 1983, Charmaine Phillips and her boyfriend went on a murder and armed robbery spree which lead the media to call them, South Africa's "Bonnie and Clyde." Her boyfriend was hanged for his part in the crime spree, and Phillips received four life sentences. During her imprisonment, Phillips became an artist and hairstylist, cutting the hair of the warden and other prisoners. Phillips was recently paroled after serving 20 years of her sentence. The first thing she did was to seek forgiveness. 

Phillips had asked her release be conducted in a "quiet manner." 

She released a statement asking forgiveness for her crimes. Phillips wrote, "I pray that God, through his grace and mercy, will plant a seed of forgiveness in your hearts for us so that you too may experience the wonder of God's healing powers." 

—Reuters, Survivor of "Bonnie and Clyde" Duo Free, August 20, 2004 Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell. 

Col. 3:13 (NIV) "Bear with each other and forgive whatever grievances you may have against one another. Forgive as the Lord forgave you." 
 
 

FORGIVENESS/MERCY 

Stuart Conway says he is an incurable romantic and classifies himself as a "postman for emotions." He has personally "mailed" nearly 4,000 messages in the world's oceans. Conway operates a website offering to print out people's innermost thoughts, place them in an empty bottle and hurl the messages into the English Channel from the southern English town of Brighton. 

Local authorities would like to Conway discontinue his service. They say broken glass washing up on beaches creates a risk of serious injury. They want him to recycle the glass bottles, and find another way to send his messages. Conway says he has no plans to stop. He carefully studies the winds and tides before throwing his bottles into the sea. He says, "Most of them are looking for friendship or lamenting the mistakes they have made. They are wishes in the form of prayer." Most of the bottles disappear in the sea, but some have washed up on beaches in France, Germany, Sweden and the Netherlands. 

http://news.scotsman.com/latest.cfm?id=378652007. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell. 

Micah 7:18-19 (HCSB) "Who is a God like You, removing iniquity and passing over rebellion for the remnant of His inheritance? He does not hold on to His anger forever, because He delights in faithful love. [19] He will again have compassion on us; He will vanquish our iniquities. You will cast all our sins into the depths of the sea."
 
 

FORGIVENESS/RECONCILIATION 

From her birth, Rosemarie Claussen's life took a terrible turn. The daughter of the Police Chief of Hamburg, Germany was born in August 1934. Adolf Hitler happened to be visiting her hometown that day, and the German Leader became Rosemarie's godfather. Claussen says, "I say that he 'offered', but I don't think my father had any option to say no." 

Claussen says her father was a believer and loved the Jewish people in the midst of the German persecution. Her father used his position to help Jewish people until he was discovered. He was given the option of dying or having his family taken to a concentration camp. Though Claussen later gave her life to Jesus Christ, she struggled with anger and unforgiveness toward Hitler, the Gestapo, and the Russians. She founded a ministry focusing on reconciliation and unforgiveness in the church, yet Claussen still found bitterness and hatred filling her mind. 

In 1986, Claussen says God cornered her. She says, "I heard His voice saying that unless I forgave, He could not forgive me, and He could no longer allow me to minister in His name." She says that was the moment that she was able to forgive those who had wronged her in the past and adds, "When I did this, I began to experience a wonderful freedom. It was like somebody had opened a bag where I was imprisoned all of my life and suddenly I began to enjoy the freedom and the deliverance from this shame and from my past. Claussen has helped many others find forgiveness and reconciliation since then. She says, "When I experienced this freedom and reconciliation with God and the love God has given to me; the love He has sent to the world through His Son, I couldn't stop talking about it." 

—http://www.assistnews.net/Stories/s06070104.htm. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell. 

2 Corinthians 5:18-20 (CEV) "God has done it all! He sent Christ to make peace between himself and us, and he has given us the work of making peace between himself and others. [19] What we mean is that God was in Christ, offering peace and forgiveness to the people of this world. And he has given us the work of sharing his message about peace. [20] We were sent to speak for Christ, and God is begging you to listen to our message. We speak for Christ and sincerely ask you to make peace with God." 

During the impeachment of President Bill Clinton, James Carville was one of his closest advisors and staunchest supporters. In his book, Stickin’ Carville talks about the many questions he received about his own little girls and what he would tell them about the controversy he was involved in. 

Carville said there were two things he would want them to know. First, he would tell them “There was a time in your Daddy’s life when he had a good friend. And that good friend did a bad thing. And your Daddy did everything he could to try to forgive the bad thing and remember that this was a good friend. There will be times in your life when you are going to have good friends that do bad things. If you can, your father would like you to try to forgive the bad thing and stick with the good friend. 
“But the most important lesson that I want you girls to take from all of this is that your father knows that you are good girls. And your father knows that sometimes in life even good girls do bad things. If that ever happens to you, the thing I want you to remember the most is that you come tell your Daddy about it. You know for sure that he’ll stick with you.” 

Carville, James, Stickin’ (Simon and Schuster, 2000) p. 32. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

Luke 17:3 (NKJV) “Take heed to yourselves. If your brother sins against you, rebuke him; and if he repents, forgive him.” 

Rick Pitino, basketball coach for the University of Louisville Cardinals has admitted to an affair in 2003. When the woman attempted to extort the well known coach, he admitted to the affair instead of caving into her demands. In addition the woman claims that Pitino paid for her to have an abortion. 

The pro-life group, Louisville Cardinals for Life has called for Pitino’s dismissal. If he is not dismissed the group plans to circulate a petition and organize protests after classes start. 

Catholics attending a church that Pitino has also attended believe the high-profile coach should be given another chance. While no one supports the affair nor the abortion, the question as to when society should grant forgiveness is an interesting one. News reports indicate that he has made a full apology to his family, the school, and its fans.

When high profile athletes, politicians, or other public figures sin, get caught, confess, and then apologize, whose responsibility is it to forgive them? In this case the public figure has done nothing illegal that calls for punishment. 

To call for dismissal or to give another chance. Which is the correct stand to take?

USA Today August 14, 2009; p. 9c, USA Today August 17, 2009; p. 2c Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

1 Peter 3:9 (NIV) Do not repay evil with evil or insult with insult, but with blessing, because to this you were called so that you may inherit a blessing. 

A 19-year-old Ohio woman was sorry for cheating on her boyfriend, and decided to ask for support from her community to get a second chance.  Jess Dutry’s boyfriend took back their engagement ring and ended the relationship on their one year anniversary after Dutry confessed to cheating on him earlier in the summer.  She regretted her mistake so much that she desperately searched for a way to repent of her misdeeds.

After reading a news story online, Dutry decided to stand on a street corner holding a sign which read, “I cheated. Honk if I deserve a second chance.”  Passing drivers beeped their support for the woman. Dutry said, “I’ve gotten 57 honks in the last hour and a half. I’ve had people come out of their cars and hug me, tell me ‘Good luck.’”   Dutry hopes the public support may convince her fiancée to give her a second chance. She added,”I just want a chance to redeem myself. I honestly feel bad, if I have to stand out here in the rain for him to take me back, I will.” 

‘Cheater’ wants to reunite with boyfriend, http://www.sanduskyregister.com/articles/2009/09/18/front/1619893.txt;  September 20, 2009; Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

What would you do in this situation? 

1 John 1:8-9 (GW) If we say, “We aren't sinful” we are deceiving ourselves, and the truth is not in us. God is faithful and reliable. If we confess our sins, he forgives them and cleanses us from everything we've done wrong. 

On November 12, 2006, Frank, a follower of Christ, and his wife Becca were walking in Denver with their two children, Macie, four years old, and Garrison, two. Mom and dad were pushing Macie and Garrison in a side-by-side stroller. As they crossed an intersection, a drunk driver named Lawrence Trujillo, ran the red light, and hit the family. The impact killed Becca and the two kids instantly. It seriously wounded Frank. Trujillo never looked back. Instead, he thought it the best thing to repair his damaged grill and hide the truck. 

The Denver community ached at the horrid news. It watched intently on how Frank would react to the loss of his family and to Trujillo. A week later, Frank left the hospital and attended the funeral of his wife and two children. Twelve hundred people crammed into Colorado Community Church. One of Frank’s friends wrote about the service:

Frank's minister spoke for Frank at the funeral. Frank wanted to encourage us to move beyond our anger and try to find a way to forgive Mr. Trujillo. He asked us to recognize that the Trujillo family was also destroyed that night…Frank set his intention to take the moral highroad and asked that we join him in finding a way to forgive....Woh. The depth of Frank's character stopped me cold.

In his darkest hour, Frank strived to point the Denver community to God by living in obedience to Christ’s instruction to forgive those who have wronged us. 

In November 2007, several news agencies were thrilled to gain interviews with Frank and ask him how he was doing with his trials a year later. Frank said, ““I know that harboring unforgiveness can eat away at a person and I don’t want that…I am trying to hang on to the positives, however few I can find. I don’t always feel that way. I am making a conscious effort each day.” According to one interviewer, Franks says, “he is just trying to take one step at a time and is leaning on his faith. He remembers something he read recently: ‘Faith that hasn’t been tested can’t be trusted.’ This test will last a lifetime.” In another interview, Frank revealed that he regularly struggles between asking “Why me?” and “Why my family?” and letting God use this trial in his life to bring glory to His name. 

--http://www.thecherrycreeknews.com/content/view/2035/2/; http://www.9news.com/news/article.aspx?storyid=65120; http://m.rockymountainnews.com/news/2007/oct/03/survivor-fights-to-find-answers. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Doug Jones

Matthew 6:14-15 (NKJV) "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses.”

Clearly, Frank Bingham demonstrates that coming to a God-centered perspective in life trials is painful and not easy. It is a process founded on the grace and strength of the Lord in our lives. Many aspects of Christian growth will have accompanying growing pains. We have committed to each other to pursue depth in Christ together. Are we still willing to move from the status quo even if it is painful? This is the question for us to consider this morning. Too many Christians are resistant in their Christian development because they are comfortable. Yet Christ offers us a surpassing richness if we will move to Him.

The current financial problems in America have resulted in job cuts, decreases in salaries, and lower house prices. Though financial strain often tears marriages apart, the poor economy has also decreased the number of couples filing for divorce. The American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers (AAML) surveyed its 1600 members and found that more than half reported a decrease in the number of divorce filings. In total 57 percent of the attorneys noted fewer couples seeking divorces since the last quarter of 2008. Only 14 percent said the number of filings were up.

Gary Nickelson, president of the AAML, said, “Forced to weigh damaged marriages against tight budgets and uncertain financial outlooks, many spouses seem more willing to try and wait out the recessionary storm.” He added, “The current economic climate is proving to be far more unforgiving than estranged couples seeking a divorce.”

--No Job? Less Money? Divorce is off the budget, http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20091029/od_nm/us_recession_divorces_odd; October 29, 2009, Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

Ephesians 4:31-32 (CEV) “Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don't yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. (32) Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.” 

James Bain went to prison in 1974 when he was 19 years old. Authorities released him just before Christmas in 2009 as a 54-year-old man. James Bain served 35 years of a life sentence given to him when the state of Florida convicted him of kidnapping and raping a 9-year-old boy. 

He wasn’t pardoned or paroled. DNA testing proved him innocent, which means that James spent 35 years in prison for a crime he didn’t commit. Released on the order of a Judge, James “made his first-ever cell phone call to tell his 77-year old mother he’d been released. ‘I’m not angry,’ he said. ‘Because I’ve got God.”

Bain chose faith in God over bitterness. 

--USA Today, December 18, 2009 p. 3A Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

Hebrews 12:15 (NASB) “See to it that no one comes short of the grace of God; that no root of bitterness springing up causes trouble, and by it many be defiled;” 

Authorities arrested a 29-year-old Florida woman after she allegedly used a stun gun on a woman who tried to hug her Christmas night. Authorities jailed Deborah Downing on charges of aggravated battery after she reportedly used a stun gun on a friend attempting to offer a Christmas greeting. Authorities say Sheri Brennan was picking up a friend December 25 when the incident occurred. Brennan’s friend told police that she was shocked after trying to give Downing a hug. Brennan says she was not injured; Downing’s actions did surprise her. She told authorities that she and Downing had a rocky past, but believed they had resolved their differences.

--Police: Woman shocked after Christmas greeting, http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20100108/ap_on_fe_st/us_odd_merry_christmas_stun_gun; January 8, 2010. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

Don’t assume a matter is resolved; make sure it is resolved. 

Matthew 5:23-24 (NAB) “Therefore, if you bring your gift to the altar, and there recall that your brother has anything against you, (24) leave your gift there at the altar, go first and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.”

For 100 days in 1994 Rwanda was a killing field. Saveri Nemeye was one of the aggressors. With a machete he brutally killed Rosaria Bankundiye’s husband and their four children. Released from prison in 2004, Saveri went to Rosaria and begged for forgiveness. Rosaria considered his request and then granted it. “How can I refuse to forgive when I’m a forgiven sinner, too?” she asks. 

Other Christians in Rwanda “describe praying extensively before choosing to grant forgiveness, and speak of the example of Jesus forgiving his killers as he hung on the cross: ‘Father, forgive them, for they know now what they do.’” 

--USA Today, February 15, 2010, p. 7a Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

Even though we know it is the right thing to do, and even though we know God commands us to forgive, we understand that this kind of radical forgiveness is a miracle from God who promised to forgive us, as we forgive others. 

Matthew 6:14 (NASB77) "For if you forgive men for their transgressions, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. 

The New York Library Society recently hosted a ceremony in which a long overdue book was returned 221 years late. The Society announced that while restoring their ledgers dating between 1789 and 1792, they discovered that President George Washington had checked out a copy of “The Law Of Nations’ by Erner de Vattel on October 5, 1792. Records showed the book had never been returned, nor had any overdue fine ever been paid. The overdue fee was estimated to total almost $300,000.

After checking an inventory of the books mentioned in the ledger, the library confirmed the book was still missing. The library had kept the missing book secret for years, until a recent article in the New York Daily News made the news public. A statement from the library described how the situation was resolved. The statement said, “A few days after learning of the situation, staff at Washington’s home in Virginia, Mount Vernon offered to replace Vattel’s ‘Law of Nations’ with another copy of the same edition.”

George Washington’s library book returned 221 years late, http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5inhXehs0bHjSMUuaBURu92wnq4JQ ; May 20, 2010,  Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

Matthew 5:23-24 (HCSB) “So if you are offering your gift on the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you,    (24) leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift.” 

To get a Perfect Game, a pitcher must retire every batter he faces over nine innings with no hits, no walks, and no errors; 27 batters up and 27 outs. Detroit Tigers pitcher Armando Galarraga had a perfect game in his hands June 2, 2010 until a bad call by an umpire took it away from him. On what should have been the very last out of the game, Umpire Jim Joyce called a runner safe, the team was incredulous, and replay confirmed the runner was out. Though he had every reason to be angry, Galarraga offered grace instead of harsh words about the mistake.

In an interview Galarraga told CNN Sports, “We’re human, we make mistakes.” He said he did not get angry, and was happy about playing such a good game. Joyce publically apologized for his mistake, and the men had a chance to move on. The Tiger’s pitcher said, “He apologized to me, I gave him a hug. I’m sure the guy feels 100 times worse than me.” Though Galarraga said he planed to tell his children that he had a perfect game that night, he added, “The next day, we turned the page. He’s a professional. I’m a professional.” 

--‘Perfect game’ pitcher handles call with grace, http://www.cnn.com/2010/SPORT/06/05/baseball.perfect.game/?hpt=C2; , June 5, 2010,  Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell. 

Luke 11:4 (HCSB) “And forgive us our sins, for we ourselves also forgive everyone in debt to us. And do not bring us into temptation.” 

Levi Johnston, the former fiancé of former Alaska governor Sarah Palin’s daughter, Bristol, recently admitted that he told lies about the Palin family after splitting with the Palin’s daughter last year.   In an interview with People magazine, Johnston said he “publically said things that were not completely true.”  He said he was “unhappy and a little angry” after the breakup. He said, “I owe it to the Palins to publically apologize” for his “youthful indiscretion.”

Johnston also said he had privately apologized to the Palin’s. He added that his actions were prompted by a desire to set a good example for the child he fathered.  Johnston said, “Part of co-parenting is creating healthy and honest relationships between the parents. Tripp one day needs to know the truth and needs to know that even if a mistake is made, the honorable thing to do is to own up to it.”

--Levi Johnston Apologizes to Palin Family for ‘Youthful Indiscretion’ ; 
http://www.people.com/people/article/0,,20399773_20644408,00.html ; July 7, 2010, Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

Hebrews 12:14 (CEV) “Try to live at peace with everyone! Live a clean life. If you don't, you will never see the Lord.” 

A Texas church has caused a stir in their community by putting a message on their sign reading, “Jesus Does Not Care.” Pastor Brian Swiggart, pastor of The Community at Lake Ridge, says people have been unhappy because they don’t look past the phrase itself. Some visitors believe the message is a satanic joke. Others don’t think it is a good way to spread Jesus’ message and are asking the church to take it down. 

Pastor Swiggart says the message is supposed to be about forgetting your past. He says the sign, along with flyers the church sent out has tripled traffic to their website as the community seeks to get more information. Church leaders say they will take the sign down once readers hear the real message. Pastor Swiggart says, “We were really hoping to stir the pot a little bit and maybe wake us up to what he really does care about. Ultimately, what we want is to get the message across.” 

‘Jesus Does Not Care’ Sign Upsets many, http://m.krdo.com/w/main/story/15002190; October 20, 2010. Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

Philippians 3:13-14 (HCSB) “Brothers, I do not consider myself to have taken hold of it. But one thing I do: forgetting what is behind and reaching forward to what is ahead, I pursue as my goal the prize promised by God’s heavenly call in Christ Jesus.”

In Margin: Restoring Emotional, Physical, Financial, and Time Reserves to Overloaded Lives, Richard Swenson writes: “Grace preempts accusation, freeing both parties. When we extend grace to our enemies, they receive a shockingly unexpected glimpse of the kingdom. And, at precisely the same time that our adversary is released, we are as well.”

--Margin, Kindle Loc. 805-7 Illustration by Jim L. Wilson

Proverbs 19:11 (CEV) It's wise to be patient and show what you are like by forgiving others. 

Jimmy Colson was a high school sophomore in 1976. He wanted to show some friends his treasures and he brought them to school. Someone broke into his locker and stole a 1923 Peace dollar, an 1897 Morgan dollar, and a 1903 Indian Head penny. In 2010, 34 years later, Colson found an envelope in his mailbox in Greensburg, Indiana, containing the three coins along with an apology. “Took it out of your locker some 30 years ago.” The letter was signed, “Sorry, dumb kid.” 

--The Week, January 14, 2011 p. 4 Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

Jimmy Colson would like to know who the person was and for whoever it was to know “they’re forgiven . . . and there are no hard feelings.” 

Although the confession was anonymous,  Colson extended forgiveness,  just as we are forgiven when we confess our sin. 

1 John 1:9 (ESV) If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

A Christian rock band in Minnesota says they have received some big breaks, but will face their latest challenge with faith. The group known as Hyland signed a record deal, finished a full length album, and even plans a nationwide tour in the near future. Just as things begin looking up, the band’s hopes took a blow when someone stole their instruments.  Keyboardist Ben Early said the hardest thing for him was losing an instrument, he will not be able to replace because the model is not made anymore.  The band says they are not bitter. Member Steve Weigel said they would be willing to forgive the thieves if they returned the gear.

Despite the setbacks, Hyland is confident they will be able to promote the new album. They have set up a website, which allows fans to make donations to help with the equipment needs. If all else fails Hyland said they think they could borrow equipment from other bands and complete the tour. Weigel says they are treating the theft as a test of faith, and hope to tour as a step of faith. He added, “We’re just hoping God will provide and we’ll be able to do this tour.”

Elk River, MN Band After Theft: Return Our Gear, We’ll Forgive you, 
http://www.myfoxtwincities.com/dpp/entertainment/local-band-after-theft%3A-return-our-gear,-we%E2%80%99ll-forgive-you-mar-7-2011,  March 8, 2011, Illustraton by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell 

Matthew 6:12 NASB “And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” 

A seventy-five year old woman scavenging for copper to sell as scrap accidentally cut off Internet service to the entire nation of Armenia. Authorities say the woman was digging for metal outside of Tbilisi when her spade damaged the primary fiber-optic cable serving the neighboring country. 3.2 million people lost service for 5 hours while companies worked to find the problem. They say large portions of the Georgia republic and part of Azerbaijan were also impacted.

 The Georgian interior ministry did not identify the women, though local media dubbed her “the spade hacker.” The ministry said the woman was being investigated on suspicion of damaging property and could face criminal charges if convicted. A spokesman said the woman could face more questioning, but was temporarily released,” On account of her old age.”

Georgia woman cuts off web access to whole of Armenia, http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2011/apr/06/georgian-woman-cuts-web-access, April 6, 2011,
Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

Ephesians 4:31-32 (CEV) “Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don't yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. (32) Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.” 

Rhode Island legislators are dealing with a bill that would pardon a man they believe was wrongly hanged for killing a wealthy mill owner over 160 years ago. John Gordon died in 1845. Though his murder trial lasted nine days and included over 100 witnesses, the jury only deliberated for 75 minutes before finding Gordon guilty and sentencing him to hang. Many historians believe he was a victim of prejudice against Irish Catholics because much of the evidence presented was circumstantial and some of the testimony was later proven false.
Some people in the state think the legislation is a waste of time and money, especially when Rhode Island faces a large budget deficit. Governor Lincoln Chaffee says he supports the idea of a pardon, as do local church officials. Representative Peter Martin who sponsored the legislation says he thinks the pardon is important. He said, “This was an injustice done by the state of Rhode Island by our predecessors. We have a lot of responsibilities to the citizens of Rhode Island. Justice is one of them, isn’t it?” 

--For Irish man executed in 1845, RI seeks amends, http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110331/ap_on_re_us/us_execution_pardon; March 31, 2011, Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell 

There is no time limit on forgiveness or justice.

Proverbs 29:2 (CEV) When justice rules a nation, everyone is glad; when injustice rules, everyone groans. 

A mother’s decision to forgive the boy, who murdered her only son, has had a bigger impact than she could have imagined. In 1993, a 16-year-old killed Mary Johnson’s son Laramiun during an argument at a party. Mary wanted justice and said the killer, Oshea Israel, deserved to be caged because he was an animal. A jury convicted Israel of the crime and sentenced to 25 and one half years in prison. A few years later, Mary asked authorities if she could visit Israel in prison. During that visit, Mary forgave her son’s killer and began a new relationship with him.
When authorities released Israel from prison years later, Mary introduced him to her property owner and helped him get an apartment in the building where she lived. She said she has been able to forgive Israel because the Lord has helped her. She says originally her motives were selfish, but her perspective has changed. Mary said, “Unforgiveness is like cancer. It will eat you from the inside out. The forgiveness is for me. It’s for me.” Israel said he hasn’t completely forgiven himself, but he is learning. He is working at a recycling plant during the day and attending college at night. He wants to payback Mary’s forgiveness by contributing to society. Speaking to group about his experience, Israel said, “A conversation can take you a long way.”

--Mother reconciles with son’s murderer, http://sg.christianpost.com/dbase.php?cat=church&id=2685; June 7, 2011,  Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

Matthew 6:14-15 (CEV) (14) If you forgive others for the wrongs they do to you, your Father in heaven will forgive you. (15) But if you don't forgive others, your Father will not forgive your sins. 

An actor who starred in a new motion picture says he never imagined the role would reconnect him to God. Wes Bentley, who plays Manolo in the motion picture, “There be Dragons,” said his role helped him face the “dragons’ in his own life. “There Be Dragons,” is based on the life of Josemaria Escriva, who founded the controversial Catholic order Opus Dei during the Spanish civil war. Bentley found his release from substance problems, particularly during a scene where Manolo asks for forgiveness. 

Bentley says his parents and brother were preachers and though he was raised, “literally in a church building.” He says he felt like he inherited the faith and assumed he had everything in order. His sudden rise to popularity after appearing in another movie took Bentley by surprise and left him unprotected from the fame and struggling with drug and alcohol addiction. He says the scene that spoke to him was one where an older Manolo had to speak to his son, asking him to pray for him, and to forgive his father. He said, “I had a really powerful moment and realized, I don’t want to be in my deathbed doing this and I needed to make amends to people in my life that loved me and loved them.” He said, he wanted to make changes while he was still young. The actor says has reconnected with God, and continues to explore his faith. He added, ”I don’t feel ashamed to tell others. I thought that by talking about it, it would help others who might’ve been where I was a little before me. It also helped remind (me) of that and also keep away from it.”

--Actor Wes Bentley on Finding Faith while facing ‘Dragons,’ http://www.christianpost.com/news/actor-wes-bentley-on-finding-faith-while-facing-dragons-50124 ; May 8, 2011,  Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

Matthew 5:23-24 (CEV) (23) So if you are about to place your gift on the altar and remember that someone is angry with you, (24) leave your gift there in front of the altar. Make peace with that person, then come back and offer your gift to God. 

In 2004, Ameneh Bahrami suffered burns to her face, and lost her eyesight when a man threw acid in her face because she refused his marriage proposal. Authorities later arrested the man and convicted him of the crime; the judge sentenced the man using the Islamic law system of “qisas” or eye-for-an-eye retribution. Since the woman was originally only blind in one eye, her attacker was ordered to give up the sight in one of his eyes. Following the decision, Bahrami said she was happy with the ruling because other women would not have to endure similar treatment.

Authorities gave Bahrami the opportunity to be present when a doctor was scheduled to carry out the sentence by putting several drops of acid in the eye of her attacker. The scene, which was broadcast on Iranian state Television, showed the man waited on his knees and weeping as he awaited the retribution. Just before he put the drops in, the doctor asked Bahrami what she wanted to do. In a dramatic change of heart, she asked the doctor to spare her attacker, saying, “I forgave him, I forgave him.” The man will remain in prison for the time being while the courts decide on another punishment. When reporters asked the pair about the event, the man said Bahrami was “very generous.” Explaining her decision, Bahrami simply said, ”It is best to pardon when you are in a position of power.” 

--Iranian woman blinded by acid pardons attacker, refuses at last minute to punish him in kind; http://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle-east/report-iranian-acid-victim-pardons-her-attacker-
sparing-him-from-being-blinded-as-punishment/2011/07/31/gIQAPPX4kI_story.html; July 31, 2011, Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

Colossians 3:12-13 (CEV) (12) God loves you and has chosen you as his own special people. So be gentle, kind, humble, meek, and patient. (13) Put up with each other, and forgive anyone who does you wrong, just as Christ has forgiven you. 

Little six-year-old Lucy Magnum said, “I forgive him,” speaking of the shark that sank its teeth into her leg off the Carolina coast. Lucy was in shallow water on her boogie board when the attack took place. Only a quick response by her parents saved her leg until emergency workers arrived. “I hate sharks,” was her natural first comment on the situation. Her parents explained the action of the shark as a natural animal action leading Lucy to reconsider and offer the shark her forgiveness. 

--The Week, August 12, 2011 p. 2 Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

I only hope little Lucy finds it as easy to forgive human trespassers when she is older. 

Matthew 6:12-15 (GW) (12) Forgive us as we forgive others. (13) Don't allow us to be tempted. Instead, rescue us from the evil one. (14) “If you forgive the failures of others, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. (15) But if you don't forgive others, your Father will not forgive your failures. 

A new study has lead researchers to consider new treatments for military veterans who suffer from Post Traumatic Stress Syndrome.  The research surveyed over 200 active-duty marines and found seven percent of the service men were likely suffering from PTSD after being home for three months.  Traditionally symptoms such as nightmares or numbness to the world are thought to come from combat violence, fear of being killed, or the loss of close friends. The new research is the first to suggest that some kind of moral injury may be behind the disorder.

Retired Navy Captain Bill Nash, a psychiatrist and study co-author says the idea is new to the field of psychiatry and could lead to a rewriting of the section dealing with PTSD.  Researchers think moral injury can lead to more severe reactions such as family violence, or even suicide.  Nash said the conflict service members feel may include “survivor’s guilt” because they lived through an attack in which close friends were killed, or if they witnessed the unintentionally deaths of noncombatants. Nash asked, “How do they come to terms with that?” He added, “They have to forgive themselves for pulling the trigger.”

--Study suggests feelings of guilt may be a top factor in PTSD; http://www.usatoday.com/news/military/story/2011-11-23/study-of-marines-ptsd/51386488/1 ; November 24, 2011, Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell. 

Isaiah 61:1 (HCSB) “The Spirit of the Lord GOD is on Me, because the LORD has anointed Me to bring good news to the poor. He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives and freedom to the prisoners;” 

The events of December 7, 1941 changed the world forever. That day also marked the beginning of a change for one of the men who attacked Pearl Harbor.  Mitsuo Fuchida was hand selected by Admiral Yamamoto to lead the Japanese attack, and took great pride in the devastation his forces inflicted. Fuchida was wounded in the battle of Midway, but managed to return to Japan before the end of the war. He worked to develop the Japanese strategy in the last days of the war, and flew out of Hiroshima one day before the bomb fell. Fuchida opposed surrender but was on the battleship Missouri when the papers were signed. After the war, he became a farmer barely making ends meet. As he looked around at his nation after the war, Fuchida began to wonder if there might be a different path for humanity to follow.

Though raised in the Shinto tradition, Fuchida developed the idea that a Supreme Being governed the universe in a spirit of love. Stories of prisoners who were able to forgive their captors despite vile treatment because the men had met Jesus in the camps fascinated him. He studied Christian tracts distributed by various groups in secret. Ten years after the attack on Pearl Harbor, Fuchida accepted Jesus as his savior and began a missionary in both Japan and the United States.

Eventually Fuchida spoke to cadets at the naval academy, toured with Billy Graham, and dined with the commander of the US Pacific Fleet in Hawaii. He even visited the Pearl Harbor memorial. Fuchida dedicated the remainder of his life to preaching the message of love and forgiveness through Jesus Christ on three Continents, affecting millions of lives in a way he never thought possible before December 1941.

--The Pearl Harbor ‘miracle,’ http://www.telegram.com/article/20111208/NEWS/112089602/1020/newsrewind; December 8, 2011, Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

Ephesians 4:31-32 (CEV)  “Stop being bitter and angry and mad at others. Don't yell at one another or curse each other or ever be rude. (32) Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ.” 

A Massachusetts man whose wife was killed by a drunk driver on the way to church said his has forgiven the woman who killed her.   Bill LaPierre and his wife Karen had stopped to pick up doughnuts to serve after church, when 37 year old Lisa Leavitt struck Karen with her car.  Leavitt later admitted to being drunk, and refused to accept a plea deal. LaPierre said it was not easy going to court where Leavitt received a light sentence. He said he knows Leavitt killed his wife, but knows she did not do it on purpose.

LaPierre said forgiving Leavitt was the first step in his healing process, and he continues to pray for her every day. He said if Leavitt life is changed for the better it would mean a lot to him.  He admitted he has no anger, but says the hurt is overwhelming at times. He added, “My whole family was very hurt. Sometimes, they think I’m a crazy man, but I’m not, I know what I’m doing. If I’m going to be a Christian, I don’t part way be a Christian. I’m a Christian all the way.”

--Faith Helps Man Forgive Drunken Driver who killed his wife,  http://www.thebostonchannel.com/news/30798019/detail.html#ixzz1qbzwLY8b; March 29, 2012, Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

2 Corinthians 2:7-8 (MSG) (7) Now is the time to forgive this man and help him back on his feet. If all you do is pour on the guilt, you could very well drown him in it. (8) My counsel now is to pour on the love. 

Tech experts warn digital device users that when they discard the old devices, they may still retain sensitive data. Older laptops and smartphones can be a goldmine for identity thieves if they fall into their hands. Even if the user thinks they have been erased, a tech savvy thief can get information such as social security numbers or bank account numbers from the discarded machine. 

Robert Siciliano, a McAfee identity theft expert, recommends “beating the thing to death,” rather than selling it or donating it.

--USA Today, May 2, 2012 P. 1B Illustration by Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

Fortunately, when God erases our sins, he does a complete job. He puts them far away and doesn’t remember them. 

Psalm 103:12 (ESV) as far as the east is from the west, so far does he remove our transgressions from us.

For the third year in a row, a Florida church has teamed up with local law enforcement officials to encourage lawbreakers to turn themselves in.  The Greater Friendship Baptist Church in Daytona Beach hosted Operation Safe Surrender to offer those facing serious charges the opportunity to do the right thing. Anyone who surrendered will have their first court appearance before a judge, via closed circuit television from the church. The local public defender’s office provided ten attorneys to offer assistance and the church even provided any necessary spiritual counsel. Church leaders say they offer fugitives and even those who have been charged with non-violent felonies or misdemeanors the opportunity to surrender and possibility have the charges reduced. They say it is a good alternative to having the police come to the door unexpectedly.— Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

Fla. church encourages fugitives to surrender, http://www.seattlepi.com/news/crime/article/
Fla-church-encourages-fugitives-to-surrender-4028718.php ; Accessed November 12, 2012.

Psalm 103:2–5 (HCSB) “My soul, praise the LORD, and do not forget all His benefits. 3 He forgives all your sin;  He heals all your diseases. 4 He redeems your life from the Pit; He crowns you with faithful love and compassion. 5 He satisfies you with goodness; your youth is renewed like the eagle.”

Simon Wiesenthal, an Austrian Jew spent four-and-a-half years in various Nazi concentration camps during WWII. Wiesenthal, one of the few to survive the atrocities of the Holocaust, recounts a harrowing story in his memoir, The Sunflower. While working to clear rubbish from a make-shift hospital, a nurse summoned Wiesenthal to a secret room, where a severely wounded Nazi soldier lay on his deathbed. The soldier told Wiesenthal how he volunteered for the SS (Schutzstaffel), and how his superiors ordered him to gun down innocent Jews. Wiesenthanl listened to the soldier as he expressed deep sorrow and regret for what he had done. He said that he wanted to confess his sin to a Jew before he died. Wiesenthal, unable to offer any comforting words of forgiveness, left the room in silence.—Jim L. Wilson and Loren C. Pirtle

Wiesenthal, Simon. The Sunflower: On the Possibilities and Limits of Forgiveness. New York:
Schocken Books. 1998 p. 176-8.

Unfortunately, the solder confessed his sin to the wrong Jew. There is a Jew who would not walk out of the room unable to offer forgiveness. Jesus Christ is willing and able to forgive the sins of all who come to him with a sincere heart and a desire to change.

Mark 2:5-12 (ESV) (5) And when Jesus saw their faith, he said to the paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven.” (6) Now some of the scribes were sitting there, questioning in their hearts, (7) “Why does this man speak like that? He is blaspheming! Who can forgive sins but God alone?” (8) And immediately Jesus, perceiving in his spirit that they thus questioned within themselves, said to them, “Why do you question these things in your hearts? (9) Which is easier, to say to the paralytic, ‘Your sins are forgiven,’ or to say, ‘Rise, take up your bed and walk’? (10) But that you may know that the Son of Man has authority on earth to forgive sins”—he said to the paralytic— (11) “I say to you, rise, pick up your bed, and go home.” (12) And he rose and immediately picked up his bed and went out before them all, so that they were all amazed and glorified God, saying, “We never saw anything like this!” 

According to tradition, in 1357 a Swiss man named Konrad Mueller killed another man named Heinrich Stucki. Part of the punishment was the Mueller and all subsequent owners of a farm had to give a local church 70 Swiss francs ($76 US) a year to cover the cost of candles and oil to keep an eternal lamp shining. The current owner of the land refused to keep paying the yearly fee, and took the matter to court to prove his case. The court in the northeastern part of the country agreed with the landowner stating mortgage reforms instituted over 100 years ago made the yearly installments unnecessary. Finally, after more than 700 years, the penalty for the crime was abolished. —Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

Swiss court wipes slate clean for farmers paying debt to church for crime 655 years ago, http://www.washingtonpost.com/business/swiss-court-wipes-slate-clean-for-farmers-paying-debt-to-church-for-crime-
655-years-ago/2013/01/08/1d36712c-59bd-11e2-b8b2-0d18a64c8dfa_story.html, Accessed January 8, 2013

Colossians 3:12-13 (NRSV) (12) As God's chosen ones, holy and beloved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, meekness, and patience. (13) Bear with one another and, if anyone has a complaint against another, forgive each other; just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 

Bobby Petrino was involved in a College Football scandal in April 2012, while he was the head coach at the University of Arkansas he had an affair with an employee. The University tried to erase the black eye by terminating Petrino. Eight months later, Western Kentucky University announced him as their new head coach. 

USA Today sports columnist Mike Lopresti, in his comments on the announcement, says that he understands atonement and reconciliation and doesn’t want to deny them to Petrino. He just thinks they came too soon. He believes that maybe after another year he could become an assistant coach and after spending some seasons working his way back, he “could have his shot at redemption.” 

While Lopresti have some validity when talking about self-redemption, what he says does not apply to God’s grace. My sins have been forgiven by God’s grace, and he didn’t ask how long I had worked at redeeming myself before his forgiveness was granted. --Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

USA Today, December 11, 2012 p. 3C

Romans 6:23 (HCSB) For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord. 

The family of Micah Pate, who was murdered by her husband in 2009, has chosen to follow a path of forgiveness and service rather than seeking revenge. They are working with a documentary filmmaker to put together an educational film for young women that can help them make wise decisions when choosing a marital partner. The filmmaker, Ginger Blackstone, said she marvels at the way the family has worked to overcome their loss. When Blackstone went to interview, Pate’s husband was in prison, she relayed their message of forgiveness, even though he has never shown any remorse.  The family told her that they would like an apology, but will leave that decision up to him. --Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

Slain Nurse’s family forgives her murderer, by Joe Birch, http://www.wmctv.com/story/20937800/slain-nurses-family-forgives-her-murderer, Accessed February 1, 2013.

Matthew 6:15 (ESV) but if you do not forgive others their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. 

 A Michigan man whose wife pleaded guilty to trying to hire someone to kill him, asked the judge to be lenient with her sentence. Jake Merfeld’s wife was caught on tape in April, making a deal with an undercover police officer posing as a hit man. She told the undercover officer that killing him would be easier than divorcing him. She also asked the officer to make the slaying look like a robbery, and gave him the key to their home. When the case came to court, Merfeld’s wife pleaded guilty. Before the sentence was announced Merfeld asked the judge for a lighter penalty. He told the judge, I whole heartedly forgive my wife for all she has done in this act of hatred.” He added, “I know that my wife is a wonderful person. She is a godly woman.” The judge did not say if the plea influenced him. He handed down a sentence of up to 20 years in prison.—Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

Husband asks judge for lighter penalty for 'Godly' wife who tried to kill him, http://www.theindychannel.com/news/u-s-world/husband-asks-judge-for-lighter-penalty-for-godly-wife-who-tried-to-kill-him, Accessed July 31, 2013. 

Ephesians 4:32 (CEV) Instead, be kind and merciful, and forgive others, just as God forgave you because of Christ. 

Pam Gyang was killed in Jos, Nigeria by Islamic extremists in a mass shooting. Grace Gyang, his pregnant widow stated; “My husband is a friend, and I’m already missing him. But what can I do but thank God for his life. I pray that through his death those who killed him will get to know Jesus as their savior.” 

When a loved one is lost in such tragic circumstances there are many possible reactions. Perhaps this is the healthiest one. As Jesus forgave us our sins, so we forgive the sins of others. --Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

World, September 21, 2013 p. 16

Ephesians 4:32 (NIV) Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. 

The principal of Grizzly Hill Elementary School, James Berardi says that since the school is out in the country, when things disappear, they are rarely returned. It was out of the ordinary when a blue envelope arrived containing a note and money that had been stolen from the school almost 20 years earlier.  The note came from a person who claimed they had broken into the school in 1996, and taken money that was meant to be used for a trip or party at the end of the year.  The burglar also admitted that he had broken some window latches and done other damage. He estimated the total was $300, so he included the cash with his note.  He also said that if the school felt the amount was too low, they could contact him about it.  Teachers at the school say the letter was worth more than the money because it has helped them teach students an important lesson. Berardi said, “I hope that it gives him what he wanted, was seeking. I don’t know if that was to lift a burden off himself, or a guilt.”—Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

17 Years Later, Man Repays Nevada City School $300 He Stole As A Student, http://sacramento.cbslocal.com/2013/10/23/17-years-later-man-repays-nevada-city-school-300-he-stole-as-a-student/
?hpt=us_bn10, Accessed October 23, 2013.

Ephesians 4:28 (NKJV) Let him who stole steal no longer, but rather let him labor, working with his hands what is good, that he may have something to give him who has need. 

In 1984, Stephen Owens and his mother Gaile found his father beaten to death in their home. Stephen was surprised; Gaile was not. She was not surprised because she hired Sidney Porterfield to kill her husband, a task that he did with a tire iron.

Forgiveness did not come easy.

Owens had no contact with his mother for almost 25 years, until August 23, 2009, when he finally visited her on death row. In his book Set Free, Owens conveys a story about the bitter-sweet reunion. Stephen finally heard the two words that set him free.

The two words? “I'm sorry.” 

She said, "I know I can't change anything now, but I just need to ask for your forgiveness."

That gave him a chance to say the words he felt God had wanted him to say for so long.
"I forgive you, mom," he responded. —Jim L. Wilson and Rondall Leggett

Brian Hass, “Ex-death row inmate shares son's story of forgiveness,”
http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/10/03/ex-death-row-inmate-son-forgiveness/2914033/

Ephesians 4:31-32 (NKJV) Let all bitterness, wrath, anger, clamor, and evil speaking be put away from you, with all malice. (32) And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God in Christ forgave you. 

The current president of Nigeria Goodluck Jonathan urged local Nigerian politicians in the country “to imbibe the habit of forgiveness and reconciliation in the interest of national development.” He noted that forgiveness is one of the “secrets of success by any leader… [and] a leader should have a natural spirit of forgiveness and those who cannot forgive should not be in politics.” —Jim L. Wilson and Elijah Tafoa

- http://allafrica.com/stories/201401200485.html

Colossians 3:13 (ESV) bearing with one another and, if one has a complaint against another, forgiving each other; as the Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive. 

In 1941, a ten-year-old boy and his friend went to Lamb’s Grill in Salt lake City for lunch. After the boys ate, they realized they couldn’t pay the bill which totaled $1, so they ran away. For the next 70 years, the guilt associated with that event haunted the man who is now in his eighties. Though he was too ashamed to go in the store himself, he waited in the car while his daughter went in and told a server the story. The man’s daughter gave the server a $5 bill as an apology, which she passed on to the current owner.  Francis Liong, the owner told a reporter that the money did not belong to her, and that she would try to get it to the previous owners. She also wanted to let the remorseful older gentleman know that all is forgiven. She said, “I’d like to tell him to please come back and eat at Lamb’s Grill –but don’t dash out.”--Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

Guilt ridden man makes amends to restaurant 70 years after dine and dash, By Charlene Sakoda,http://news.yahoo.com/blogs/oddnews/guilt-ridden-man-makes-amends-to-restaurant-70-years-after-dine-and-dash-213629204.html; Accessed April, 4, 2014. 

1 John 1:9 (HCSB) (9) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

Drivers in New York are being hit with fines for traffic citations that date back as far as 1994. State officials say many of the fines are legitimate because there is no time limit for them to collect the fines. Some of the cases are fines that were never paid but according to some drivers the fines were paid. Paul Fox, who drives truck for a living, received three notices, but claims he paid the fines years ago. Now, Fox is concerned that if his license is suspended, he would lose his job. Since the case was so long ago, the only thing he has to prove his argument is the fact that he had to pay the fine to get his car back. A local attorney says proving a case like Fox’s is difficult. He explained, “The very bank the check may have been written on may not exist anymore. Most people are supposed to keep records for seven years, so if you’re talking 20 years, it’s going to be really difficult for anyone to prove it.”—Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

Drivers’ ‘zombie’ traffic tickets rise up decades later, By Charlene Sakoda, 
https://news.yahoo.com/blogs/oddnews/drivers%E2%80%99-%E2%80%98zombie%E2%80%99-traffic-tickets-rise-up-decades-later-194111708.html, Accessed April 22, 2014.

Psalm 103:12 (HCSB) As far as the east is from the west, so far has He removed our transgressions from us. 

Researchers at the University of Miami have found that offering genuine apologies is a vital part of the forgiveness process. The lead researcher who authored the study says this study is one of the largest, longest, and most definitive studies of the effects conciliatory gestures ever conducted. Scientists found that the most sincere, forgiveness-inducing apologies included saying, “I’m sorry,” offering to compensate in some way for the wrongdoing, and taking responsibility. This type of apology makes the transgressor seem more valuable, and helps the victim feel less at risk of getting hurt again. Responding to the study, Los Angeles psychotherapist Bethany Marshall says the answer could go even deeper. She feels empathy is also part of the process and that people who can empathize tend to be healthier and make better life choices. Marshall says instead of using logic to explain or defend, the best thing to do is to look inwardly to identify why you did the bad thing. She says more often than not, people get defensive about what they have done and even get mad at the person they have wronged. She added,” Beware of your response, because the worst apology is the one where the victim is blamed.”—Submitted by Jim Sandell. 
Why Apologizing the Right Way Matters, By Beth Greenfield, 
https://www.yahoo.com/health/why-apologizing-the-right-way-matters-91869700337.html, Accessed July 15, 2014.

 Ephesians 4:32 (HCSB) And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.

Recently, Rocky Rasmussen is the owner of the KFC restaurant in North Platte, Nebraska, received a handwritten letter from an anonymous patron of his all you can eat buffet. “I took more on m plate than I could eat,” the woman explained. “So I put it in my purse and took it home. I do love your chicken!” She included $2 in restitution and asked for forgiveness. “God has forgiven me, and I hope you will too.” 

Not only is Rasmussen willing to forgive her, he wishes he knew who it was so he could “buy her a few meals.” -- Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

World, September 6, 2014 p. 22

Matthew 6:12 (HCSB) And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 

Ron Webster was thinning his book collection when he discovered a text on human anthropology that he checked out of the Liverpool library in 1953. Webster, 91, took the book into the library and waited with the clerks for the library manager to arrive. The clerks calculated the 61-year fine to be $7,700. 

The head librarian Phil Sykes waved the fine, setting Webster free from that obligation. 

When we confess our sin, Jesus in his faithfulness is quick to forgive us our sin and set us free from all its obligations. --Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

World, July 12, 2014 p. 19

1 John 1:9 (HCSB) If we confess our sins, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 

In 1960, Bernard Schermerhorn bowed to peer pressure and went along with a friend to steal change from several newspaper racks and then dump then over. Now, 54 years later, Schermerhorn has sent a letter to the Florida newspaper apologizing for the deed and including a check for $200 to cover the damages. He says he has followed the rules most of his life, but that one time he let the pressure get the best of him. Schermerhorn lives in California now and said he thought the check would more than cover the damage and the $10 in change that was taken. The newspaper’s publisher says he will send a thank-you letter to Schermerhorn and plans to donate the money to a local children’s charity.  —Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.
Man sends newspaper check years after rack thefts, http://news.yahoo.com/man-sends-newspaper-check-years-rack-thefts-101522160.html, Accessed October 10, 2014.

Matthew 5:23-24 (HCSB) So if you are offering your gift on the altar, and there you remember that your brother has something against you, (24) leave your gift there in front of the altar. First go and be reconciled with your brother, and then come and offer your gift. 

New York Yankee fallen super star Alex Rodriguez is returning to baseball after a yearlong suspension, the longest ever given to an active player for drug use. As he prepares to begin spring training for his comeback year he has issued an apology to the Yankees, their owners, the Players Association and the fans. In his words, “I can only say I’m sorry.” 

Rodriguez recognizes the apology may not be enough. “I accept the fact that many of you will not believe my apology or anything that I say at this point. I understand why and that’s on me.” 

Thankfully when we ask for forgiveness from our heavenly father He is much more gracious than baseball writers, fans, and players. --Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

USA TODAY, February 18, 2015, p. C1

Matthew 6:12-15 (NKJV) And forgive us our debts, As we forgive our debtors. (13) And do not lead us into temptation, But deliver us from the evil one. For Yours is the kingdom and the power and the glory forever. Amen. (14) "For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you. (15) But if you do not forgive men their trespasses, neither will your Father forgive your trespasses. 

When 19-year-old Josh Lewis went out to deliver a pizza to a hospital emergency room team, he never dreamed he would soon become a patient, but that’s what happened. While delivering the pizza, an assailant stabbed him and stole his Jeep Cherokee. While recovering from a collapsed lung and torn muscles Lewis said, “I’m not really holding a grudge against him. If he was in the same room as me right now, I would tell him what he did isn’t okay, but I would tell him that I forgive him and try to share the Gospel with him and show him Christ.”—Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

Pizza delivery attack leads student to forgive, By S. Craig Sanders, 
http://www.bpnews.net/44710/pizza-delivery-attack-leads-student-to-forgive, Accessed May 7, 2015.

Matthew 18:21 (HCSB) Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how many times could my brother sin against me and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” 

In the 1960’s, Simon and Garfunkel was one of the top recording artists. Then right at the top of their popularity they split up, going their separate musical ways. Now 45 years later we discover that Art Garfunkel has never forgiven Paul Simon for the breakup. 

Attributing the breakup to Simon’s unwillingness to share the spotlight, Garfunkel calls Simon a jerk. He insists that the 5-foot-3 Simon suffers from a Napoleon complex, and says he befriended him in high school out of pity for his small stature. “That compensation gesture,” Garfunkel says, “has created a monster.” 

Jesus calls on us to forgive those who trespass against us. The failure to forgive has a much more lasting effect on the grudge holder than on the other party. --Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell.

The Week, June 12, 2015 p. 10.

Matthew 18:21-35 (HCSB) Then Peter came to Him and said, “Lord, how many times could my brother sin against me and I forgive him? As many as seven times?” (22) “I tell you, not as many as seven,” Jesus said to him, “but 70 times seven. (23) For this reason, the kingdom of heaven can be compared to a king who wanted to settle accounts with his slaves. (24) When he began to settle accounts, one who owed 10,000 talents was brought before him. (25) Since he had no way to pay it back, his master commanded that he, his wife, his children, and everything he had be sold to pay the debt. (26) “At this, the slave fell facedown before him and said, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you everything!’ (27) Then the master of that slave had compassion, released him, and forgave him the loan. (28) “But that slave went out and found one of his fellow slaves who owed him 100 denarii. He grabbed him, started choking him, and said, ‘Pay what you owe!’ (29) “At this, his fellow slave fell down and began begging him, ‘Be patient with me, and I will pay you back.’ (30) But he wasn’t willing. On the contrary, he went and threw him into prison until he could pay what was owed. (31) When the other slaves saw what had taken place, they were deeply distressed and went and reported to their master everything that had happened. (32) “Then, after he had summoned him, his master said to him, ‘You wicked slave! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me. (33) Shouldn’t you also have had mercy on your fellow slave, as I had mercy on you?’ (34) And his master got angry and handed him over to the jailers to be tortured until he could pay everything that was owed. (35) So My heavenly Father will also do to you if each of you does not forgive his brother from his heart.” 

In the winter of 2014 -2015, the tower of snow that the city of Boston piled up was a constant reminder of a winter that seemed to have to have no end. By the time, the snow stopped falling; the pile had grown to be 75 feet high. Though it reminded residents of a winter than made them shiver, there were more shivers as the huge pile began to melt. As the snow began to disappear, they saw that it covered more than 80 tons of garbage. Officials said two of the biggest storm struck after residents put their trash out, and so some of the garbage was swept up by the plows. Once the snow was gone, the city removed the garbage and was done with the messy mound once and for all.—Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

Boston's tower of filthy snow finally melts away, http://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/bostons-tower-of-filthy-snow-finally-melts-away/ar-AAcYJvu, Accessed July 15, 2015

Isaiah 1:18 (NKJV) (18) "Come now, and let us reason together," Says the LORD, "Though your sins are like scarlet, They shall be as white as snow; Though they are red like crimson, They shall be as wool. 

According to witnesses, Dylan Roof talked and prayed with his victims for an hour before pulling out a gun and methodically shooting nine members of the Emmanuel AME Church. At his first court appearance, magistrate James B. Gosnell Jr. read the names of the slain, one by one. After the reading of a name, Judge Gosnell asked if a family member wanted to make a statement.

“I forgive you,” said Nadine Collier, the daughter of 70-year-old Ethel Lance. “You took something very precious from me. I will never talk to her again. I will never, ever hold her again. But I forgive you. And have mercy on your soul.”

The sister of DePayne Middleton Doctor began by saying, “I acknowledge that I am very angry, but one thing that DePayne always enjoyed in our family… is she taught me that we are the family that love built. We have no room for hating, so we have to forgive. I pray God on your soul.”

Wanda Simmons, the granddaughter of Daniel Simmons, ended her comments with “hate won’t win” after hearing a relative of Myra Thompson pleading for Roof to “repent, repent, repent.” --Jim L. Wilson and Daniel Hall 
 

St. Louis Post-Dispatch, The Strength to Love. 06-24-2015 p. A15. And http://www.washingtonpost.com/news/post-nation/wp/2015/06/19/i-forgive-you-relatives-of-charleston-church-victims-address-dylann-roof/

What was witnessed in Charleston S.C. by the families of the slain was the essence of the gospel—do for others what your Father in Heaven has done for you. The world heard a gospel message of forgiveness. It was given out of strength and courage to practice what the Bible teaches believers, how to react when they are victims. 

Luke 6:27-28 (NIV) (27) "But I tell you who hear me: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, (28) bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. 

Diane De Han watched an Oregon court sentence the man who killed her son to prison, and was prepared to hate him or seek revenge. Instead, when she saw the 21-year-old man in court with no one to support him, and heard his confession, her heart went out to him. Within two weeks, De Han wrote the man Andrew Metzner a letter telling him that she forgave him and urging him to get help. De Han even asked him to consider corresponding to her. Metzner wrote back taking full responsibility for his actions and saying that he was working to make a better life from then on. De Han said receiving the letter lifted her spirit. She said,” It’s so gratifying as a parent to see redemption from the tragedy. I didn’t want there to be a chance of not helping a young person find his way.”—Jim L. Wilson and by Jim Sandell.

A mother whose son was murdered in Portland writes to his killer, By Maxine Bernstein, http://www.oregonlive.com/portland/index.ssf/2015/08/a_mother_whose_son_was_murdere.html, Accessed August 1, 2015.

Romans 3:23-24 (NASB) “for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, (24) being justified as a gift by His grace through the redemption which is in Christ Jesus;” 

When Judge Carl Fox was a North Carolina district attorney, he successfully prosecuted Charles Alston for armed robbery. Alston received a 25 year sentence.  When Fox was recently diagnosed with blood cancer and in need of a bone marrow donation, he got a surprising letter from Alston. Alston wrote, “I may or may not be a match, but would be willing to make the sacrifice.” 

Fox cannot accept the donation because prisoners are barred from being donors, but he was moved by Alston’s offer. “He had every reason to be angry with me,” Fox said. “It means even that much more that he did that, given the circumstances.” 

No matter how we have treated Jesus in the past, he remains willing to donate his blood of life to us. —Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell.

The Week, September 18, 2015 p. 4

Matthew 6:12 (HCSB) And forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors. 
 

Jessica Baker was unable to attend her friend’s wedding when her plans for a babysitter fell through at the last minute. Since the wedding invitation was clear that children were not allowed, they had no choice but to miss the wedding.

Later, they received a bill from the newlyweds for $75.90 with the note, "This cost reflects the amount paid by the bride and groom for meals that were RSVP'd for, reimbursement and explanation for no show, card, call or text would be appreciated." —Jim L. Wilson
 
http://www.nbcnewyork.com/news/weird/Guests-Billed-For-Not-Showing-up-to-Wedding-330147971.html

It appears we have a contest of bad manners here. The guests failed to send a note about their unavoidable circumstances and the newlyweds responded in a most unfriendly way. The truth is, if you have friends, you will have plenty of opportunities to exercise forgiveness—people err. If you don’t exercise forgiveness, you won’t have many friends.

Colossians 3:13 (HCSB) “accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also ?forgive?.” 

FORGIVENESS

In the book, Forgiveness and Health: Scientific Evidence and Theories Relating Forgiveness to Better Health, the authors write, “Unforgiveness has been positively associated with psychological disorders including depression, anxiety, and PTSD.” In other words, not forgiving others hurts your mental health.

Forgiveness and Health, 176.

Matthew 6:14-15 (HCSB) “For if you forgive people their wrongdoing, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well. (15) But if you don’t forgive people, your Father will not forgive your wrongdoing.” 

In the book, Forgiveness and Health: Scientific Evidence and Theories Relating Forgiveness to Better Health, the authors write, “Findings indicate that state forgiveness (i.e., forgiveness of a specific offense and offender) and trait forgivingness (i.e., a general disposition to forgive) are both inversely related to psychological symptoms.” In other words, forgiveness heals.

Forgiveness and Health, 80.

Ephesians 4:31-32 (HCSB) “All bitterness, anger and wrath, shouting and slander must be removed from you, along with all malice. (32) And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.” 

In the book, Forgiveness and Health: Scientific Evidence and Theories Relating Forgiveness to Better Health, the authors write, “Research indicates forgiveness can promote resilience (Worthington, 2005) as well as physical and mental health (Thorensen, Harris, & Luskin, 2000) and, thus, forgiveness can be thought of as a beneficial public health intervention.” In other words, forgiveness is good for society as a whole.

Forgiveness and Health, 107-8

Colossians 3:13 (HCSB) “accepting one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a complaint against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you must also ?forgive?.” 
 

FORGIVENESS

Bob Ebeling spent 30 years of his life feeling guilty over his inability to avert the explosion that destroyed the space shuttle Challenger in 1986. In 1986, Ebeling was a booster rocket engineer at NASA contractor Morton Thiokol. He and several colleagues were worried that cold temperatures the night before the Challenger was set to launch could harm the O-ring seals and allow burning fuel to damage the spacecraft. He warned officials and asked them to delay the launch, but NASA went forward with it, and the shuttle exploded. Ebeling’s daughter Leslie Serna said her father felt extremely guilty until the last few weeks before his death. After a story appeared on the 30th anniversary of the disaster, hundreds of people called Ebeling and sent him letters supporting him, even though he could not avert the disaster. Serna said, that support helped her father find the forgiveness he needed. She said, “It was like the world gave him permission, they said, “OK, you did everything you could possibly do, you’re a good person.” —Jim L. Wilson & Jim Sandell

Man Who Predicted Challenger Explosion Disaster Dies, Hallie Golden, http://www.klove.com/news/2016/03/24/man-who-predicted-challenger-explosion-disaster-dies.aspx, Accessed March 24, 2016.

Psalm 25:11 (HCSB) “Because of Your name, Yahweh, forgive my sin, for it is great.”

Forgiveness

In “A Life of Purity,” Dallas Bivins writes, “Jesus attacked the lustful thoughts of the head and heart, not the actions of the hand. The head and heart is where we begin to dehumanize another person into an object of sin. Whereas love accepts, heals, and respects, lust demands and controls. Lust is always incompatible with God’s will, because it violates his supreme ideal for marriage.

A final word on love, lust, marriage, and divorce: God forgives. We should not read this passage, or any Scripture, with a legalistic attitude. To look at this as a set of rules is to miss the point of Christ’s desires for us: he wants a personal friendship with us, not a compliant robot. The central part of Jesus’ message is the love he has for us, not the rules we break.”

Living the Sermon on the Mount, 37.

Ephesians 2:8–9 (HCSB “For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift— ⁹ not from works, so that no one can boast.”

For more information on Living the Sermon on the Mount, go to: http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1523787473/fm082-20

Forgiveness  

Good news for Facebook users. Developers have added a feature that allows a user to to get rid of bad memories, at least online. The feature allows a person to automatically block posts from their ex spouses. In addition, they can remove photos of former couples in happier times.

God does more than delete our transgressions. He forgets all about them. -- Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell

The week, December 4, 2015 p. 8

Proverbs 18:21 (HCSB) “Life and death are in the power of the tongue, and those who love it will eat its fruit.”

FORGIVENESS

When her car disappeared, Erin Hatzi looked at the video from her surveillance camera and saw a woman walk up to her car, sit in it for a few minutes, and then drive away. She thought it was odd that the person would sit in the car for several minutes, but she filed a report anyway. The next afternoon, Hatzi’s husband saw a police car stopped in front of the house right behind their missing car. The officer was talking a woman, and then told Hatzi that the woman said she had been sent to pick up a friend’s car which was the same model at Hatzi’s. When she discovered that she had the wrong car, she brought it back and had left a note apologizing for the mistake and some money to pay for the gas she used. He said the keys for many older models of the car will work in different cars, and that was apparently the case in this theft. The car the woman was sent to get was a block away. Hatzi forgave the woman and said, “It’s insane. It’s like a bad sitcom that nobody would ever buy the story because it’s stupid and it makes no sense. But it happened.” She said everyone involved parted ways happy, and maybe a little embarrassed.–By Jim L. Wilson & Jim Sandell.

Portland woman's stolen car returned with note, gas money, crazy story

http://www.kgw.com/news/local/portland-womans-stolen-car-returned-with-note-gas-money-and-a-crazy-story/342692897, Accessed October 27, 2016.

Matthew 6:14 (HCSB) “For if you forgive people their wrongdoing, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well.”

FORGIVENESS

In 1986, Detective Steven McDonald, a New York City police officer, spotted three teenagers stealing bicycles in Central Park. When he approached the boys, 15 year-old Shavod Jones shot McDonald three times. One of the bullets pierced McDonald’s spinal column, paralyzing him from the neck down. Six months later, McDonald publically forgave Jones saying, “I forgive him and hope he can peace and purpose in his life.” McDonald took his message of forgiveness around the world and hoped that one day he and Jones could tour together. Unfortunately the dream was never realized because Jones was killed in an accident after his release from prison.—Jim L. Wilson & Jim Sandell

Funeral Set For Paralyzed Detective Who Forgave Shooter,

http://www.klove.com/news/2017/01/13/funeral-set-for-paralyzed-detective-who-forgave-shooter, Accessed January 13, 2017.

Matthew 6:14 (HCSB) “For if you forgive people their wrongdoing, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well.

FORGIVENESS

Speaking from the Columbus hospital where Logan, his son lay, Ryan Cole asked for prayers for his son, who is a16-year-old shooting victim. But that wasn’t his only prayer request.  He also asked for prayers for the family of the accused shooter. —Jim L. Wilson & Ed Pincusoff

Fox Newshttp://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/01/26/dad-student-shot-seeks-prayers-for-son-suspect-family.html  

Ephesians 4:32 (HCSB) “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.”

FORGIVENESS

On December 19, 2016, Pastor Karl Sisson was looking at Christmas lights with his family. Tragically, Adrian Murray, a drunken 24-year-old driver struck and killed Pastor Sisson’s nine-year-old son, Josiah.  

Pastor Sisson wasted no time in forgiving Murray. Within 24 hours, the Pastor embraced and forgave the young man. —Jim L. Wilson & Scott Gourley

http://www.christiantoday.com/article/pastor.forgives.and.embraces.man.accused.of.christmas.day.road.crash.that.killed.his.son/103506.htm

Luke 23:34 (HCSB) “[Then Jesus said, ‘Father, forgive them, because they do not know what they are doing.’ ] And they divided His clothes and cast lots.”

FORGIVENESS

Wildfires, started by two teenagers, recently spread through Gatlinburg, Tennessee destroying everything in their path, and claimed fourteen casualties, including a mom and her two daughters.

Imagine being the husband/father that received this news, knowing that the whole situation was avoidable and should have never happened. How would you have responded?

On his Facebook page, the man wrote to the teenage arsonists “I forgive you. My son forgives you ... We know you didn’t mean for this to happen. We know you would take it all back if you could. We will pray for you every day. We will pray for your parents and your family members every day. We will pray for your peace. We will show you grace. Why? Because that’s what Jesus would do. Faith ... Hope ... Love ... The greatest of these is love.”

When we experience the forgiveness of Jesus, it does not get rid of our pain or sadness but it does free us to forgive others even when it doesn’t make any sense. —Jim L. Wilson & Ryan Blackwell

http://www.bpnews.net/48082/gatlinburg-man-grieves-loss-forgives-suspects

Ephesians 4:32 (HCSB) “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.”

FORGIVENESS

The governor of Oregon pardoned a fourth grade boy who admitted that he stole a hazelnut and a pen during a school tour of the state capital building. After returning home, Samuel Revenka sent a letter to Governor Kate Brown confessing his misdeeds. He told her the items were not his and that it was wrong for him to take them. In the last line of his letter, the boy wrote, “I hope you and the people of Oregon can forgive me.” —Jim L. Wilson & Jim Sandell

Oregon governor forgives boy for swiping hazelnut, pen, http://www.foxnews.com/us/2017/05/19/oregon-governor-forgives-boy-for-swiping-hazelnut-pen.html, Accessed May 19, 2017.

1 John 1:9 (CSB) “If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.”

FORGIVENESS

In one morning, New York courts threw out more than 640,000 old warrants for people ticketed for minor offenses. The move was an effort by city officials to promote what they believe is a more fair and workable approach to low level offenses. They said many of the people were unaware of the warrants and most were issued for offenses such as littering, being in a park after hours, or walking an unleashed dog. Officials said most of the people are law-abiding citizens who have not been in trouble with the law since. Bronx District Attorney Darcel Clark said it was “simply the right thing to do.”—Jim L. Wilson & Jim Sandell

640,000 NYC warrants for old summonses tossed in 1 day, by Jennifer Peltz,

https://www.yahoo.com/news/640-000-nyc-warrants-unpaid-summonses-tossed-1-161353255.html, Accessed August 9, 2017.

Micah 7:18 (CSB) “Who is a God like you, forgiving iniquity and passing over rebellion for the remnant of his inheritance? He does not hold on to his anger forever because he delights in faithful love.”

FORGIVENESS

Steve Bartman is notorious in Chicago. In 2003, he interfered with a foul ball that would have been an out but instead it went a long way toward the Cubs losing the playoff and missing the World Series. He may have been the most hated man in the land of Chicago Cubs baseball. After the Cubs won the 2016 World Series the team announced its forgiveness by awarding a World Series ring to Bartman.

Forgiving others their trespasses is a refreshing act. Just as the Cubs hope this ring provides closure on an unfortunate chapter of the team story, forgiveness can give us the same renewal in our lives. —Jim L. Wilson & Rodger Russell

The Week, August 11, 2017, p. 6

Colossians 3:13 (CSB) “bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive.”

FORGIVENESS

The old saying says sometime things can be better late than never. For the Attleboro Public library in Massachusetts, almost 80 years might be a little too long. The library posted pictures on its social media site of a book that had just been returned. The due date stamped in the back was November 21, 1938. Deputy director Amy Rhilinger told a local TV station that a man cleaning out a friend’s basement found the book and decide to return it. She said the staff that was “awesome” that it was returned, even though the book could not go back into circulation. Rhilinger said the library will forgive the fees, which would amount to almost $2,700. —Jim L. Wilson & Jim Sandell.

Better Late Than Never? Library Book Returned A Bit Late,

http://www.klove.com/news/2017/09/22/Better-Late-Than-Never-Library-Book-Returned-A-Bit-Late, Accessed September 22, 2017.

Psalm 130:3–4 (CSB)

Lord, if you kept an account of iniquities,

Lord, who could stand?

But with you there is forgiveness,

so that you may be revered.

FORGIVENESS

German police called an unnamed man to tell him they had found his car. He went to a Frankfurt garage where he discovered the car he had reported missing—twenty years ago. As it turns out it was never missing. The man simply forgot where he parked it.

Some things are good to forget. The promise that God forgets our sins and rebellion when we repent and turn to Him is a good thing. —Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell.

The Week, December 8, 2017 p. 12

Hebrews 10:16–17 (CSB)

This is the covenant I will make with them

after those days,

the Lord says,

I will put my laws on their hearts

and write them on their minds,

and I will never again remember

their sins and their lawless acts.

FORGIVENESS

Kim Hyon-hui was a young student in 1987 when the North Korean government took her out of school and trained her for a special mission. After months of training, agents gave her a time bomb shaped like a radio. Her mission; put the bomb aboard a South Korean Airliner headed for Seoul then leave the plane before it exploded. The bomb succeeded in bringing down the airliner killing all 155 people on board. Authorities in Bahrain captured her before she succeeded in returning to North Korea. Convicted and sentenced to death in South Korea, the South Korean president pardoned her, claiming she was only a tool of the North Korean Government. Today Kim says that her deadly role in the bombing of Korean Air Lines Flight 858 is something that leaves her sorry and ashamed. “Can my sins be pardoned?” she said. “They probably won’t be.”

The good news of Jesus Christ is that Jesus already paid for her sins. The good news of the cross is that God will forgive all our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. —Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell.

https://www.washingtonpost.com/sports/olympics/she-killed-115-people-before-the-last-korean-olympics-now-she-wonders-can-my-sins-be-pardoned/2018/02/05/ae51588c-0a31-11e8-8890-372e2047c935_story.html?utm_term=.f73cb1227609

1 John 1:9 (CSB)

If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.

FORGIVENESS

A Minnesota tuck diver who triggered a crash that killed five people will serve only a few months in jail because of the forgiveness offered by surviving family members. Tony Weekly Jr. smashed his semi-truck into the back of minivan killing five members of the Pals family instantly. Weekly pleaded no contest to three felony and four misdemeanor counts and the prosecutors were seeking a tough sentence.

The father of the man killed in the accident asked the judge to show mercy to Weekly, as a result, the judge sentenced him to five months in jail and two years of probation including time served. Cedrick Pals told the court his son and family were on their way to Colorado for missionary training. He told Weekly, that three words came to mind. “Forgiveness, Mercy, Hope.” He added, “I struggle to find the words that describe the grief that gripped me. I know how much God has forgiven me. How can I not forgive you?”—Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

http://www.startribune.com/a-twin-cities-family-forgives-neb-judge-gives-6-month-term-to-trucker-who-killed-5/489128701/

Ephesians 4:32 (CSB)

And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.

FORGIVENESS

A library in Louisiana said a book that was checked out 84 years ago was returned by the son of the woman who checked it out as an eleven-year-old. A note on the Library’s website said the son found the Spoon River Anthology while cleaning the house. They said the book is in bad shape and is not worth much. The book is a collection of free verse by Edgar Lee Masters, written from the viewpoint of a dead person in the imaginary town. The library said their maximum fine is $3, even for a book so long overdue. Due to the circumstances, library officials waived the fine.—Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

https://www.yahoo.com/news/better-never-library-book-84-years-overdue-114046283.html

Hebrews 10:18 (CSB)

“Now where there is forgiveness of these, there is no longer an offering for sin.”

FORGIVENESS

Pamela Barker was shocked when she walked out of her house and realized her car was gone. She immediately called the police and posted pictures on social media to ask her friends to watch out for the vehicle. Three days later, Barker saw her car parked along the street, with a handwritten apology. Barker accepted the apology and added, “"He just needed to borrow a car. But he brought it back so it's all good as far as I'm concerned. He made it right."—Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

https://abc7chicago.com/society/stolen-car-returned-with-handwritten-apology/4655628/

Luke 6:37 (CSB) “Do not judge, and you will not be judged. Do not condemn, and you will not be condemned. Forgive, and you will be forgiven.”

FORGIVENESS

On July 20, 2018, the Walt Disney Company fired film director James Gunn – the director of two very popular movies based on the Guardians of the Galaxy Marvel comic book property – from their employment due to a series of offensive jokes he posted on his Twitter account in 2008 and 2009, posts he apologized for long before Disney employed him, stating: "My words of nearly a decade ago were, at the time, totally failed and unfortunate efforts to be provocative. I have regretted them for many years since — not just because they were stupid, not at all funny, wildly insensitive, and certainly not provocative like I had hoped, but also because they don't reflect the person I am today or have been for some time."

Fans and friends of James Gunn protested the firing, the most public example of which is a letter from the cast of his Guardians of the Galaxy film showing support for him and attesting to their view of his character in a very positive light. One fan, in a response to one of the many articles covering this issue, stated: “The part about this that bothers me the most is that he’s publicly apologized, and very much seems to not be that person anymore. If we start telling people that there’s no way to ever recover from or atone for their mistakes, they won’t bother trying, and the world will get a whole lot darker.” —Jim L. Wilson and C. Foster Payne

Kit, Borys & Couch, Aaron. “James Gunn Fired as Director of 'guardians of the Galaxy vol. 3.” The Hollywood Reporter. July 20, 2018. https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/heat-vision/james-gunn-exits-guardians-galaxy-vol-3-1128786.

Dan, Neilan. “Guardians Actors, 200,000 Other People Come Out in Support of James Gunn.” The A.V. Club. July 23, 2018. https://news.avclub.com/guardians-actors-200-000-other-people-come-out-in-supp-1827804982.

Although no one that I’ve seen is in any way defending James Gunn’s past Twitter posts, I do want to highlight the value in repentance and the need for forgiveness.

John 3:16–17 (CSB) “For God loved the world in this way: He gave his one and only Son, so that everyone who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life.  For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

FORGIVENESS

In the movie 7 Pounds, actor Will Smith portrays Ben/Tim Thomas.  After causing a car accident and multiple fatalities, Thomas dedicates the remainder of his life to pay for his mistakes.  While his intentions are noble, he never feels that he can completely atone for the sins of the past.  Rather than experiencing healing, he carries this pain until he ultimately pays with his life.

Thomas could not escape his plaguing guilt, no matter what form of atonement he tried to earn.  He had a belief that if he used his own life as payment, just maybe he could pay for his sins of the past.  He knew he needed to atone for his sins, but thought he could do it for himself. —Jim L. Wilson and Benjamin Fox

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0814314/

Romans 6:23 (CSB) “For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.”

FORGIVENESS

On the night of May 11th 2002, Megan Napier, was on her way home when Eric Smallridge crashed his vehicle into her car killing Megan and her friend.  This was not a normal accident because Eric was driving drunk.  

Renee Napier, Megan’s mother did the unthinkable.  

Napier and her family had every right to hate Smallridge and wish him nothing but what he deserved, yet that's not what happened.  Instead, she felt God telling her that she should forgive Smallridge. She and her family spoke on his behalf to have his sentence reduced.  As a result of their forgiveness and the way they treated him, Smallridge saw a version of God's glory displayed in a way that he never had and became a follower of Christ.  —Jim L. Wilson and Brian Hicks

https://www.christianpost.com/news/mother-does-the-impossible-forgives-drunk-driver-who-killed-her-daughter-gets-him-out-of-prison-early-video-116323/

1 John 4:11–12 (CSB) “Dear friends, if God loved us in this way, we also must love one another. No one has ever seen God. If we love one another, God remains in us and his love is made complete in us.”

FORGIVENESS

On October 2^nd, 2006 at 10:25am, Charles Carl Roberts IV entered a one-room schoolhouse in the Amish community of Nickel Mines in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. He instructed all of the adults and young boys to leave, but held the remaining ten girls hostage. Sensing what was to come, one of the girls offered to give up her life if Roberts would let the others go. After talking for a few moments Roberts began to open fire. In the end, five girls were seriously wounded and five were killed. All ten were between the ages of six and thirteen-years old. Before police could storm the building, Roberts committed suicide.

Tragically, the stories of school shootings have become common. What is not common, however, was the response of the Amish community. Forgiveness is a core belief for the Amish and they believe they their actions must match their words. In the aftermath of the shootings they began to minister to Roberts’ family. They demonstrated their forgiveness by not only attending his funeral and comforting his wife and kids, but by giving them financial assistance out of a fund set up for the victims and inviting Roberts’ family to his victims’ funerals. When asked how they are able to forgive in such a terrible tragedy, one responded, “Through God’s help.”

It would be easy to hold on to our pain and anger in this situation. The world tells us we have every right to withhold forgiveness. But Jesus tells his followers to be different. He tells us to forgive one another, even when it is hard. Despite their anguish, the Amish show us how to give the type of forgiveness Jesus talked about. –Jim L. Wilson & Ryan B

http://www.breakpoint.org/2006/10/darkness-not-overcome/

http://www.nbcnews.com/id/15134030/ns/nbc_nightly_news_with_brian_williams/t/amish-display-true-meaning-forgiveness/

Colossians 3:12–14 (CSB) “Therefore, as God’s chosen ones, holy and dearly loved, put on compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness, and patience, ¹³ bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive. ¹⁴ Above all, put on love, which is the perfect bond of unity.”

FORGIVENESS

In the movie, “The Green Mile,” John Coffey (played by Michael Clark Duncan) is wrongly convicted and sentenced to death for the murder of two young girls. Tom Hanks portrays Paul Edgecom, the prison guard in charge of death row. He learns of the Coffey’s innocence, but does nothing about it. In fact, he oversees his execution. At the start of the movie we see Edgecom, 60 years later, sitting at a table with his girlfriend and he is weeping. She asks him what is wrong and he says, “I guess sometimes the past just catches up to you whether you want it to or not.” He had been brooding about this for 60 long years.  It doesn’t have to be this way. —Jim L. Wilson and Tim Fouse-Clark

https://www.quotes.net/mquote/115086

Romans 8:1 (CSB) “Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus,”

FORGIVENESS

Khmer Rouge regime members, Khieu Samphan, 87, and Nuon Chea, 92, were tried and convicted of killing 1.7 million people.  From 1975 to 1979 they worked to make Cambodia a communist state where food and money would be collected by the government and then redistributed to the public.  They felt that they could create a Utopia where people could live in peace.  Instead they created the worst slaughter in the nation’s history.  The two men were surprised that they had been convicted because they only killed “The bad people.” —Jim L. Wilson and Ken Dillender

The New York Times, November 16, 2018, Seth Mydans, “We only killed the bad people”

Ecclesiastes 12:9–10 (CSB) “In addition to the Teacher being a wise man, he constantly taught the people knowledge; he weighed, explored, and arranged many proverbs. The Teacher sought to find delightful sayings and write words of truth accurately.”

FORGIVENESS

Marjorie Saint was a young widow.  Despite the pain of the loss of her husband, she took her son, Steve Saint, and moved to the mission field in South American in order to reach the secluded Waodani tribe.  According to cultural anthropologists, the Waodani tribe was the most violent group of people ever to have lived.  But this did not deter the young widow from going to them nor did it deter her from bringing her son with her.  She engaged in mission to reach these violent and destructive people despite the very real risk to herself and her son.

Oh, did I forget to mention, the reason that Saint was called to reach the Waodani is that her husband, Nate Saint, was murdered by these people when he attempted to reach them.

The true story of the Saint family, yes that is their real name, and the Waodani people is beautifully retold in the film, “End of the Spear,” based on the book, of the same name, written by Marjorie’s son, Steve. —Jim L. Wilson and Jeffrey Lemasters Tahir

https://www.imdb.com/title/tt0399862/plotsummary

Romans 6:6–9 (CSB) “For we know that our old self was crucified with him so that the body ruled by sin might be rendered powerless so that we may no longer be enslaved to sin, since a person who has died is freed from sin. Now if we died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him, because we know that Christ, having been raised from the dead, will not die again. Death no longer rules over him.”

FORGIVENESS

Despite what they read in the Bible, a new Barna study suggests many Christians find it hard to forgive. The study found that 23% of Christians identified someone they could not forgive, and 27% said they knew someone they did not want to forgive.  15% of respondents said they had not offered unconditional forgiveness. On the positive side, 76% said they had risked offering unconditional forgiveness to someone who had wronged them, and 55% said they had received unconditional forgiveness from someone. Brooke Hemphil, Barna’s senior vice president of research said, “Forgiveness is central to Christianity. It’s what distinguishes it from any other religious faith. We are reconciled to God through Jesus’ sacrifice, and in response, we should be agents of reconciliation in every aspect of our lives.” –Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

http://www.klove.com/news/2019/04/29/Spiritually-Risky-1-in-4-Christians-Can-t-Forgive-Someone/

Matthew 6:14–15 (CSB) “For if you forgive others their offenses, your heavenly Father will forgive you as well.  But if you don’t forgive others, your Father will not forgive your offenses.”

FORGIVENESS

The Bible never tells us to forgive and forget, but imagine how easy it would be to forgive others if we could forget. A teen in North Carolina knows all about that. Since suffering a concussion during track practice in 2017, every night when she sleeps her mind resets and purges her memories of the day. She wakes every morning in a new world. Her father has to tell her what day it is and remind her that she has a journal where she writes things she doesn’t want to lose forever. –Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell.

The Week, May 24, 2019  p. 12

Of course the problem with losing all your bad memories is losing all your good ones as well. The rest of us just need to learn the practice of forgiving without necessarily forgetting.

Ephesians 4:32 (CSB) And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.

FORGIVENESS

In his book, Enemies of the Heart: Breaking Free from the Four Emotions That Control You, Andy Stanley writes, "If you’re a Christian, you aren’t expected to treat others the way you’ve been treated by others; you’ve been called to treat people the way you’ve been treated by your Father in heaven. You don’t forgive because the other person deserves it; you forgive because you’ve been forgiven." –Jim L. Wilson

Ephesians 4:32 (CSB) “And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.”

For more information on Enemies of the Heart, go to http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1601421451/fm082-20

Enemies of the Heart, 130-31

FORGIVENESS

In his book, Enemies of the Heart: Breaking Free from the Four Emotions That Control You, Andy Stanley writes, "In the shadow of my hurt, forgiveness feels like a decision to reward my enemy. But in the shadow of the cross, forgiveness is merely a gift from one undeserving soul to another." –Jim L. Wilson

Enemies of the Heart, 129

Psalm 103:10–12 (CSB)

“He has not dealt with us as our sins deserve

or repaid us according to our iniquities.

For as high as the heavens are above the earth,

so great is his faithful love

toward those who fear him.

As far as the east is from the west,

so far has he removed

our transgressions from us.”

For more information on Enemies of the Heart, go to http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/ASIN/1601421451/fm082-20

FORGIVENESS

When an elementary aged boy called 911, complaining that he was hungry and asking for a pizza, he got a surprise visit from local authorities.  The unidentified boy called the Sanford, Florida 911 operator and asked if they could send a pizza over. The department sent three officers to the home instead to conduct a well-being check. They found the boy and his older sister at home. His sister explained her brother had used the phone without her knowledge. The officers explained proper use of the 911 system to the young people and then went to a nearby restaurant and personally delivered a large pizza. Officer said they wanted to use the opportunity to teach about how the emergency system should be used, but also wanted to met a need as well.—Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell.

https://ww2.klove.com/news/fun-unusual/florida-boy-calls-911-to-order-pizza-3073

Colossians 1:14 (CSB) “In him we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins.”

FORGIVENESS

A Dallas Texas court convicted a former Dallas police officer of murder. The officer, Amber Guyger, had mistakenly entered the wrong apartment and fired her service weapon when she mistook the resident for an intruder. The victim’s brother, Brandt Jean embraced the police officer and told her, “I love you as a person and I don’t wish anything bad on you.”

The Week, October 18, 2019 p. 18

Kevin Aldridge writing in The Cincinnati Enquirer, reminds us all. “Hatred is a form of poison, and I believe Brandt’s act freed him more than her.” Unforgiveness always hurts the non-forgiven more than the offender. —Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell.

Colossians 3:13 (CSB)

bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive.

FORGIVENESS

One thing is certain, unless the Lord returns each one of us has death in our future. One South Korean mortuary is offering people the chance to experience a taste of what their own death might be like. The mortuary invites the public to dress in shrouds, write their last testaments, and lie in closed coffins for 10 minutes. The goal is to help people appreciate their lives and reconnect with estranged friends and relatives. They hope users will learn to apologize and will reconcile with others. More than 25,000 people have made use of the free service.

The Week, November 29, 2019 p. 12

I am not sure I could lie in a closed coffin for 1 minute, much less 10. I would rather just forgive the people I am estranged from, and just believe Jesus’ words without the living illustration. —Jim L. Wilson and Rodger Russell.

Colossians 3:13 (CSB)

bearing with one another and forgiving one another if anyone has a grievance against another. Just as the Lord has forgiven you, so you are also to forgive.

FORGIVENESS

A spokesperson for the Manitoba library in Canada said employees were surprised to find a magazine in the return slot that had been checked out in June 1975.  The Winnipeg Public library said a 1975 issue of Car Craft Magazine had been placed in the return bin. The card inside revealed the magazine was due 45 years earlier. The branch’s head librarian Stephanie George said there was no note or anything with it. George said the magazine was bound with a plastic cover and was in great shape. She said the person who returned it does not have to worry, because overdue fees for magazines max at $7, but the library is not currently charging late fees anyway. —Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

https://www.upi.com/Odd_News/2020/12/11/Magazine-returned-to-Manitoba-library-was-45-years-overdue/5541607713532/

Ephesians 1:7 (CSB)

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of our trespasses, according to the riches of his grace

FORGIVENESS

Officials at Delaware State University announced they are cancelling over $730,000 dollars in student debt for graduating students who faced financial hardships during the pandemic. Officials said the average eligible student will qualify for about $3200 in debt relief which totals about a third of a year’s tuition.  The main purpose of the relief was to allow graduates to receive their diplomas sooner.  University President Tony Allen said the school has not raised tuition in six years and their goal is to keep student debt manageable. Allen added,” Our students don’t just come here for a quality college experience. Most are trying to change the economic trajectory of their lives for themselves, their families, and their communities. Our responsibility is to do everything we can to put them on the path.”—Jim L. Wilson and Jim Sandell

https://www.goodnewsnetwork.org/delaware-state-university-cancels-outstanding-debt-covid-19-cases

Psalm 86:5 (CSB)

For you, Lord, are kind and ready to forgive,

abounding in faithful love to all who call on you.

FORGIVENESS

In You'll Get Through This: Hope and Help for Your Turbulent Times, Max Lucado writes, “Forgiveness vacillates like this. It has fits and starts, good days and bad. Anger intermingled with love. Irregular mercy. We make progress only to make a wrong turn. Step forward and fall back. But this is okay. When it comes to forgiveness, all of us are beginners. No one owns a secret formula. As long as you are trying to forgive, you are forgiving. It’s when you no longer try that bitterness sets in.”

You’ll Get Through This, page 117.

Ephesians 4:32 (CSB)

And be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving one another, just as God also forgave you in Christ.