Today I heard an incredible story about forgiveness told by Jeanne Bishop. Many years ago, right before Easter, she saw her sister and husband who shared the good news that they were expecting their first child. Sadly, the couple went home to an intruder in the house who killed them all. A while later, they captured the 16 year old boy who murdered them. He had been bragging about the incident. At trial, he never admitted the crime, showed no remorse, but was found guilty and went to prison. Jeanne admitted at that time, even though he had done a horrific act against her and her family, she didn’t want to hate him and personally forgave him. Over 10 years later, she was given a book called, “Forgiveness: Christian Reflection” and was pulled to take action. She realized that, although she had forgiven the murderer, she never told him so. She wrote a short letter to him and put her forgiveness into words for him. He wrote back a 14 page letter full of anguish and regret. Jeanne started visiting the man in prison and they have formed a relationship. Her view of him is that of another human being. This is not always met well with some of her friends and family, but she knows it is the right thing to do – especially if she claims to be a follower of Jesus Christ. It was a fascinating, heart wrenching, and yet hope filled story of ultimate forgiveness.

I Found God today in a story about intense Forgiveness.