When I was a little girl, maybe around eleven, my house had been broken into. Not a lot was taken, though we had very little as it was. Though they had taken probably our most expensive items in our house; 2 TVs and a VCR. They had also gone through our drawers, probably in hopes to find more; though they picked a house that didn’t have much to begin with. My family and I had been out for the evening and I remember coming home and seeing that we were robbed and feeling so frightened. I remember there was a cop sent out to investigate, although he didn’t offer much to do so. Essentially a report was made and we were at a loss. Eventually my parents replaced our TV and VCR. The person who committed the crime never was held accountable. Although, the thing I do know is that God is just. I know that the person will have to answer for it before God. Just as we all will someday for things we may have done, even if not this particular type of crime. For we all fall short and sin; whether big or small. I can honestly say I hope the person turned their heart toward God and made better choices in the future. I do forgive them. As I know that if they ask, Jesus will too. Friend, sometimes people may do or say bad things toward us and we wonder if God saw it. He did and He is just. But we must learn to replace our anger toward them and replace it with prayer for them, God will handle things accordingly. It would be a wonderful thought at some point this robber thought about the choice they made and were remorseful and turned their hearts toward Jesus. Maybe they did, maybe they didn’t, but I feel a lot better hoping that they did and knowing God knows. May we ask God to help us forgive when it is hard and to love even those that do unlovable things. We may have lost some electronics that night, but maybe, just maybe, that person found redemption in it.

Erin Fitts-Brower

Hope for Redemption

Psalm 89:14 NIV

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you.

Ephesians 4:32 NIV

Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.

Ephesians 1:7 NIV

In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God’s grace