by Pastor Lynn Walker – Cowboy Country Church
4092 Norge Road – 405-320-0055

To forgive or not forgive?

A drunk driver killed an innocent child. He was convicted of the crime.
The boy’s parents were in the courtroom to hear the judge give him his time
The judge looked at the father and said, “What would you have me do?
You are the one who lost your son, I’ll leave his sentence to you.
The father stood with a broken heart. His eyes were filled with tears.
He said, “ make that man go to church with us, for the rest of the year!!”
Well the courtroom got real quiet while the father bowed his head.
They all thought he was crazy, but he remembered what Jesus said.
He said, “Love your enemies…love your enemies. Do good to all those who hurt you.
Love your enemies…love your enemies. Be merciful and kind;
through you let God’s love shine; Love your enemies….Love your enemies.
Well the convict started coming to church. He sat with a cold hard stare.
His years of sin had hardened his heart, you could tell he didn’t want to be
there.
Oh, but then one Sunday morning, the Holy Spirit finally broke through!
It seemed like a mile, but he walked that aisle and said “Preacher, what must I do?
Well that convict prayed the sinner’s prayer with tears running down his face.
He felt a strong arm slip around him, and his heart began to race.
The father of the boy that he had killed was standing by his side.
He said, “I love you, and I forgive you. Let the blood of Jesus be applied!!”
He said, “Love your enemies…love your enemies. Do good to all those who hurt you.
Love your enemies…love your enemies. Be merciful and kind;
through you let God’s love shine;
Love your enemies….Love your enemies. (This is a true story)
If Jesus, dying on the cross, can say, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” (Luke 23:34), surely we can forgive others as well. Also, be aware, if you don’t forgive others, neither will your heavenly Father forgive you! (Matthew 6:15) Sometimes it’s not easy, but you can do it.