Jesus on display

Forgiveness

(by R.P.Edwards)

Forgiveness, sir

Is of the will

Regardless of the pain

To bring release

Give way to peace

Best done

In Jesus' name

"Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing."

(Luke 23:34)

Spoken by Jesus as He was being crucified

And falling on his knees he cried out with a loud voice, 

"Lord, do not hold this sin against them."

(Acts 7:60)

Spoken by Stephen, the first Christian martyr as he was being stoned to death.

 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.

(Romans 12:21)

Concerning the tragedy in Charleston and the murder of the nine church-goers by the demented young man; my first thought (being alerted by the scrolling headline at the bottom of the screen) was that it was a racist incident. My second thought was that it was ISIS related.

It's been some days and many "stories" have found root in the parishioners blood: gun control vs an armed defense (which had a "gun free zone" element), race relations, mental health, and even the confederate flag.

However, one element that has had some play (and rightly so) is the Christ-like response of some family members towards the troubled and twisted perpetrator. During a bond hearing, where the accused (via video link) faced loved ones of the deceased, he heard words like: "...not allowing hate to win--We are a family that love built, we have no room for hate and we have to forgive--I forgive you--Repent and confess; give your life to Christ--May God have mercy on your soul."

Many were surprised at this other-worldly display. But, to the Jesus lovers among us, this is a natural outpouring from a redeemed spirit. And, if I may, in my experience in the ways of Christian churches; it is  usually the MOST devout who make the extra effort to attend the midweek Bible Study. It only follows that many of their family members would be like minded. And so, what the devil meant for evil...has turned into good. For we have truly seen the love of God...on display.

Following is a youtube link of the hearing.

Victims families addressing Dylann Roof

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