“And whenever you stand praying, forgive, if you have anything against anyone, so that your Father also who is in heaven may forgive you your trespasses.”
Mark 11:25 (ESV)
There was a powerful display of forgiveness shown inside a Georgia courtroom recently. The very brief news coverage of the scene touched everyone who witnessed it. Since we are daily inundated with so much bad news, I wanted to share this true story, in case some didn’t see it.
A young man named Joseph was driving under the influence one night. He struck a pedestrian, killing a man, and for whatever reason, he drove away. He was arrested tried, and after his trial, found guilty of DUI, reckless driving and other charges.
He was sentenced to serve twenty years in prison. When he was allowed to speak, he stood up, looked at the family of the man he killed, and with a tearful, quivering voice, apologized to them.
The son and daughter of the deceased man gave the usual speeches describing their deep sorrow and loss. Then, Regina, the widow of the deceased man, did something that amazed the courtroom and the judge. She walked up to Joseph and hugged him. As he kept saying he was sorry, while weeping, she forgave him with a long hug. She said to him and to others later, that God told her that Joseph needed a “mom hug.” The judge never saw anything like it in his courtroom. That kind of forgiveness doesn’t come naturally, because it can only happen by the Spirit of God.
Not only is that scene of forgiveness a testimony of God’s mercy to all who witness it, but it brings deep healing to the one who forgives. A Harvard study found that forgiving actually lowers blood pressure and reduces anxiety and depression. Jesus taught that unforgiveness only robs ourselves of being forgiven, which is not good for our mind, body or soul. (Matthew 6:15)
Research has finally caught up with what Jesus taught 2,000 years ago. According to the recent Harvard medical research study, forgiving is not only good for the soul but for the mind and body as well.
Horrible things happen in the world and unless God gives us the ability, no one could forgive. Forgiving doesn’t mean condoning the harm that was done. We were meant to stay in a close relationship with God, so that when troubles come, we cling to Him and He holds on to us.
God is just, gracious, merciful and forgiving, therefore we entrust our offenders to God’s justice and mercy.
Forgiveness doesn’t change what occurred in the past, but it certainly helps us to move forward to the future. In other words, forgiveness is God’s prescription for freedom of one’s mind, body and soul.
In the early 70’s, my first cousin’s husband emptied their bank account and deserted her and their three young children in order to join the Scientology cult. She raised her children alone and he was never heard from again. I don’t know if she was ever able to forgive him, but she was strong enough to carry on her role as a single parent. Situations arise that seem impossible to forgive, but God can help anyone to get through anything, and since He can get us through it, He can also help us to forgive and live in peace.
Regina, the lady in that Georgia courtroom, showed the world the true power of sincere forgiveness. She was able to forgive because she was living her faith, and God placed His mercy in her heart. The world witnessed the fruit of her Christian faith in the courtroom that day. She still prays for Joseph and only God knows what fruit is yet to come from a simple but profound gesture of forgiveness.
Lord, help us to live by faith in all areas of our life, and by your Spirit give us a heart full of mercy and forgiveness, so that we may remain healthier in mind, body and soul. Amen
