October 3, 2019
Okay, I know this won’t be the most popular opinion, but…
I try not to divulge into controversial issues on social media, but I felt I needed to speak out in support of a member of the Jean Family.
First…
Amber Guyger is definitely guilty of Murder and should have gotten a longer sentence. There are black and brown people in prison that have received more time for selling drugs than she received for killing another human. Both offenses are wrong, but the punishment should match the crime.
Secondly, Now… Forgiveness….
I look at this from a Christian perspective, because that is what I am first and foremost a child of GOD. You can say I am looking at things through rose-colored glasses, but I am just trying to see people the way Jesus does.
The bottom line as Christians, the Bible tells us, “The Lord has forgiven you, so you also must forgive.” Colossians 3:13
We forgive because God forgives. If He can do it, so can any of us. Right?
I know it is hard because I have had to forgive people for some horrendous things in my life. But you know what? I felt better because once I let that burden go, I left it at the foot of the cross and the feet of Jesus. Until I forgave, I was bitter and consumed with what happened to me and the hate I was embracing. It was eating at me from the inside. It was affecting my family and me. You have no idea how hard it is to grieve and forgive. Once I truly forgave, I was at peace in my heart, my mind, and my soul.
Now with that being said, I have not forgotten because I won’t allow myself to be hurt again, but I am at peace to move on with my life without harboring hate in my heart. I refused to be held hostage or give the power of my thoughts, feelings, life, and soul to anyone, but Christ. When my time comes, and I stand before God, I don’t want to have any hate or unforgiveness in my heart for anyone.
You cannot have hate in your heart and say that you love God. “If anyone says, “I love God,” and hates his brother, he is a liar; for he who does not love his brother whom he has seen cannot love God whom he has not seen.” (1 John 4:20)
I chose to forgive mostly for me, and other people benefited from my obedience.
The Jean family are a Christian family, and I am sure that Botham’s brother, Brandt, prayed and received enough peace and understanding from God to forgive. It was reported that he carried a Bible into court with him most days, and he was seen reading during court. He will never forget, and yes, there is still hurt, questions, and some anger. He is not weak, as some have said, but he is strong because he forgave.
He has decided to have the peace of knowing that because God has forgiven him many times over, he chose to forgive.
Amber has received an amazing gift of grace from Brandt, and the last thing she heard from him was, “I pray you find Jesus Christ” Brandt has done his job and planted a seed for Christ to cultivate it and cause it to grow. We don’t repay evil with evil. If she does not receive the grace and mercy that has been afforded to her and make a change, then that is between her and God.
“Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay, says the Lord. On the contrary: “If your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink. In doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:19-21)
Botham’s mother said that she is not ready for forgiveness, but she is getting closer to it. This is okay and perfectly normal. Forgiveness is a process that we have to go through to get to the point where we can forgive. BUT we must forgive! I can’t stress that enough; from my own experience, we must forgive.
I am not sure if they are going to appeal (I imagine they will), but just the pure act of grace that Brandt showed is not a sign of weakness, but it is an excellent sign of faith in God and the strength he has drawn from Him.
“Holding a grudge doesn’t make you strong; it makes you bitter, forgiving doesn’t make you weak; it sets you free.” (Anonymous)
May we all continue to pray for everyone involved.
Okay I am off my soapbox
I love you all with the love of Christ in me!
Have a blessed rest of your day!
Blessing in the Storm 