I hurt people

I hurt people a lot before! So begins the “creative writing confessional” I received recently from an inmate who spent a lot of time on a fairly simple message. He carefully and skillfully crafted each letter to accomplish his purpose. He wanted to state very clearly his awareness that he had blown it pretty bad in life. He seemed a bit amazed that anyone could ever give him another chance after the depth of his failure.

I am impressed by the diligence of his creative writing. I am happy for him as he experiences the ‘surprized hope’ that comes when you are given another chance after failure. But most of all I am reminded of how much I also need forgiveness and another chance. I have never landed in jail or been on the wrong side of the law, but I also have hurt people- a lot.

Even more importantly, I have hurt my heavenly Father. I have disappointed him with my words, actions and thoughts. I have chased after things of this world when He told me to love him with all my heart and soul and mind and strength. I have been apathetic towards things that break his heart even though I know he accused the people of Tyre and Sidon of being worse than Sodom and Gomorrah when they ignored the work of God in their midst.

As I have re-read the simple message in complex writing from the hands of an inmate, I am challenged as I read his closing phrase “People, be strong, not weak.” It really reminds me of God telling Joshua to be strong and of good courage. It is true that these words were given to a great political leader, but here I am reminded how much all of us need this challenge.  As we look around our community and ask God how He wants us to respond to various needs there, I think it is good for us to concur with the inmate.

Certainly, there are differences between you and the inmate, but there are none of us who have not hurt others. All of us need forgiveness, and all of us need the courage to stand up for what is right. Thank God for forgiveness, and let us be known as those who offer it freely to others, as we remember the challenge of Jesus that only those who give forgiveness are eligible to receive it.