“Forgiveness
is a gift you give yourself." – Unknown
This letter was written by the Father
whose son the recipient had murdered. It was written to a prisoner from the heart –
not out of guilt, but with compassion; not for publicity, but from
humility.
You’re probably shocked that, I of all people, am writing to you. Please read to the end and consider my
request seriously. I’ve something very important to say to you.
As the Father of the man who you helped murder . . . I forgive you,
with all my heart.
I want you to become my adopted child. My Son who died was my only child. I long to share my life with you and leave my
riches to you. This may not make sense
to you or anyone else, but I believe you’re worth it despite all that has
happened.
I arranged matters so that if you will accept my offer of
forgiveness, not only will you be pardoned for your crime, but you will also be
released from your imprisonment. Your death
sentence will also be dismissed.
I realize this is risky - you might be tempted to reject my offer
completely - but I make it to you without hesitation. Don’t be concerned that you may screw up again
and lose your rights as an heir to my wealth. Once I have forgiven you for your part in my
Son's murder . . . I can forgive you for anything. You’ll never be perfect, but you don’t have to
be perfect to receive my offer.
Besides, I believe that once you begin to experience the riches
that will come to you from me, you’ll likely be more humble, thankful and
loyal. I’m not worried about being
called “foolish,” I just wish for you to call me “Father.”
Love, God
Forgiveness – it’s NOT a natural part of who we are; it’s love's
toughest work and biggest risk. It seems
so unnatural. Our sense of fairness
tells us people should pay for the wrong they do. But forgiving is love's power to break
nature's rule. It’s an act only for
those strong in character – a strength that comes from a loving God. It’s irreversible! Forgiving without forgetting . . . is not really
forgiving. Is there someone in your life
that needs your forgiveness?
Forgiving God, the true source of love and
forgiveness, forgive me first; for anything I didn’t do today which I might
have done; for any help I might have given which I held back. Help me to find happiness in forgiving myself
and the strength to forgive those who might have offended me. Amen
