Behold, how good and pleasant it is for
brethren to dwell together in unity!
Psalm 133:1
This was a day for the healing of some deep emotional wounds, and for the spirit of forgiveness to move throughout our congregation, bringing restoration and peace...
brethren to dwell together in unity!
Psalm 133:1
This was a day for the healing of some deep emotional wounds, and for the spirit of forgiveness to move throughout our congregation, bringing restoration and peace...
Last Sunday, I wrote about a frightening and potentially explosive situation that occurred when an inmate charged to the front of our chapel and began to yell at my chaplain. This prisoner blamed the minister for the death of his mother, accusing him of not praying enough.
God answered our prayers. This man could have gone to solitary confinement for his actions. Instead, my chaplain spoke in this prisoner's behalf, and he was allowed to stay out of lockup. This in itself was a miracle.
Today, however, something even better happened. This man came back to the chapel to attend our worship service. He received permission from my chaplain to go up front to the podium to address all of us.
He stood before the congregation and humbly apologized for his actions. He shared his embarrassment and sorrow over his outburst. He explained about the pain he was in over the unexpected loss of his mother. Then this prisoner asked for our forgiveness as well as forgiveness from the chaplain.
He went on to speak for several minutes, taking full responsibility for his actions. When he finished talking, he turned to the chaplain and they both embraced each other. It was a sight to see.
I was happy at the outcome. Everyone was. Christ was honored and a sense of peace filled the building. Tension and anger seemed to flee. The remainder of the service went smoothly. There was rejoicing in the Lord.
D.B.
God answered our prayers. This man could have gone to solitary confinement for his actions. Instead, my chaplain spoke in this prisoner's behalf, and he was allowed to stay out of lockup. This in itself was a miracle.
Today, however, something even better happened. This man came back to the chapel to attend our worship service. He received permission from my chaplain to go up front to the podium to address all of us.
He stood before the congregation and humbly apologized for his actions. He shared his embarrassment and sorrow over his outburst. He explained about the pain he was in over the unexpected loss of his mother. Then this prisoner asked for our forgiveness as well as forgiveness from the chaplain.
He went on to speak for several minutes, taking full responsibility for his actions. When he finished talking, he turned to the chaplain and they both embraced each other. It was a sight to see.
I was happy at the outcome. Everyone was. Christ was honored and a sense of peace filled the building. Tension and anger seemed to flee. The remainder of the service went smoothly. There was rejoicing in the Lord.
D.B.
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