"Consequently, just as one trespass resulted in condemnation for all people, so
also one righteous act resulted in justification and life for all people. For
just as through the disobedience of the one man the many were made sinners, so
also through the obedience of the one man the many will be made righteous." (Rom
5:18-19, NIV2)
Forgiveness is impossible for most people. After all, they have been hurt quite
deeply, and the offender merits hefty consequences! Still, the One who was most
hurt by our actions, the One we turned our backs on, not only willingly forgave
us, He even paid the price of our offences by having His precious Son die for us
on a lonely cross so that we didn't have to live in unforgiveness forever. And
this is not the end of it. Not only did He pay the price for our rebellious
strikes, He goes a step further: He pursues us with His love and encourage each
one of us to accept His forgiveness. Never have we seen such a love on our
planet!
Lieutenant Thomas C. Holland shouted to his Company G, 28th Virginia Infantry,
"Come on boys!" While he broke through the Union line on cemetery Ridge during
the Gettysburg attack. What he didn't expect was to be shot, with a bullet
piercing his cheek and exiting the back of his head. No wonder he ungraciously
fell from his horse.
He was urgently carried to a Union field hospital where he later miraculously
recovered. His 88 men didn't fare that well, however. 81 were listed as killed,
wounded, or missing. That lieutenant had lots of reasons to hate his enemy. They
were completely merciless. Still, 50 years after the battle, Thomas returned to
the same spot where he fell, met the union soldier who had shot him and shook
hands with him.
Forgiveness sure frees the one who has been hurt. Love is always way better than
hatred. Imagine if our God had been unwilling to forgive us! Where would we be?
Rob Chaffart
The Illustrator: This daily newsletter is dedicated to encouraging
everyone to look towards Jesus as the source of all the solutions to our
problems. It contains a daily inspirational story, a Bible verse and encouraging
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The Nugget: Published three times a week, this newsletter features inspirational devotionals and mini-sermons dedicated to drawing mankind closer to each other and to Christ.