What is on your mind as you begin your week? Do you have projects, pressures, people, to-do lists, activities, or something different? Possibly it is not one thing but many.
Let me suggest to you one key thing to remember today that will help you put everything else in perspective. Don’t forget mercy.
Botham’s Brother Hugs and Forgives His Brother’s Killer
The Background Story
Amber Guyger, the former Dallas police officer who shot and killed a black neighbor after she accidentally walked into his apartment, was forgiven by the victim’s brother Brandt Jean. Botham Jean was killed while eating ice cream in his own apartment, after Guyger mistakenly opened the door to his apartment and mistook him for an intruder. As she arrived home, she was still in her police uniform and drew her service weapon. His younger brother, Brandt, didn’t wish Guyger any ill will; but instead, he offered her love, forgiveness, and Jesus.
A Dallas jury sentenced the former police officer to 10 years in prison for the fatal shooting. The state asked the jury to sentence Guyger to a minimum of 28 years. Because of the “sudden passion” defense, Judge Tammy Kemp ruled the jury could reduce the sentence to two years, but in the end, jurors opted for a higher sentence.
The Young Brother Understands Forgiveness
The eighteen year old Brandt Botham clearly understands forgiveness and what Jesus taught in Matthew 18.
Jesus told a story about a certain slave who received incredible mercy but then forgot it. The servant owed between $7-$12 billion to the king. The slave begged for mercy and the king released him from his debt. What happened next boggles the mind. The servant then goes to someone who owed him around $30 thousand and would not show him any mercy whatsoever. Jesus explains what the king said to the servant who forgot the mercy He received:
32 Then his lord called the first slave and said to him, ‘Evil slave! I forgave you all that debt because you begged me! 33 Should you not have shown mercy to your fellow slave, just as I showed it to you?’ 34 And in anger his lord turned him over to the prison guards to torture him until he repaid all he owed. 35 So also my heavenly Father will do to you, if each of you does not forgive your brother from your heart.” (Matthew 18:23-35)
Because he failed to remember the mercy he received, he failed to give it to others.
Without any doubt, Botham understands that kind of forgiveness!
Show Others Mercy
Jesus made a simple point that can change your life this week. He gave you mercy and forgave you of your sin debt. Since He did, He expects you to show mercy and forgive others as well. Any failure to forgive others by showing mercy offends God.
Throughout today and this week, if you will keep the mercy and God’s forgiveness you received on your mind, you will find it much, much easier to show mercy to others.
You have been forgiven billions, now go out and show mercy to those who need forgiveness for thousands. God will be honored, people needing mercy will be blessed, and you will be better for it as well.
Be a person of mercy this week!
KevinCarson.com | Wisdom for Life in Christ Together
