“But if you don't forgive people, your Father will not forgive your wrongdoing.” (Mt. 6:15 HCSB)
Known as the Green River Killer, Gary Leon Ridgway, was convicted of murdering more than 49 women. At his 2003 sentencing hearing, the families of the victims were allowed to address Ridgway directly. He sat there emotionless as family member after family member spoke of their hatred toward him. Finally, the father of one of the victims, Robert Rule, got up to speak. He told Ridgway that God does not allow him to hate and with a shaky voice announced, “You are forgiven sir.” Upon hearing that, Ridgway began to cry.
Forgiving others is not an easy thing to do, especially when they have really hurt us. Robert Rule could have chosen to hate Gary Ridgway, and he would have to carry that around with him for the rest of his life. As difficult as it may have been, he chose differently. Choosing to forgive allowed Rule to be free from the burden of hatred. He chose to embrace the very character of Jesus who immediately forgave the ones who were torturing him when he said, “Forgive them Father, for they do not know what they are doing” (Lk 23:34). There is something medicinal in the act of forgiveness. With the help of God, we can actually start to move forward.
IronMaker’s Daily Challenge: Right now, ask God to help you to forgive everyone who has hurt you. Name them to your Father in heaven, and ask God to bless them.
Prayer: Merciful God, I do not deserve your forgiveness, but you have offered it freely to me. Therefore, when I am wounded, grant me strength to immediately forgive. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
Dennis Gossett
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