THE STORY Last week, we discovered how the FORGIVER benefits. Click here for issue 114. Now we'll look at the FORGIVEN person. This is a true story of a father and his teenage son. The son became withdrawn from his family and his friends and everyone was concerned. The father unsuccessfully tried to get the son to open up and talk to someone about whatever his problems might be. Then, one late evening the father got a call from his son, "Dad, I'm in a lot of trouble. I've let you and mom down. I'm in jail and I'm charged with selling drugs. I don't deserve to ask for forgiveness. I'm really scared." The son feared what his father's response would be. After all, his father was a highly respected and visible leader in the community and in his church and there had never been a scandal in the family. The son braced himself for a severe reprimand and even worse. Then came the words from his father, "Son, your mother and I love you very much. Yesterday you made a mistake, but today is the first day of the rest of your life. We are behind you and give you our complete support." THE REST OF THE STORY The son took full responsibility for his mistake and served his time. Upon release, he became a solid citizen, faith centered, and a fine husband. At his father's funeral, the son said, "I love my father for many reasons. First, he gave me life, and second, he gave me my life back. I will always be grateful to him."
REFLECTION 1. The FORGIVER makes the decision to forgive. It is a choice. 2. The FORGIVEN is often shocked, feels liberated, and is grateful (a valuable topic we've discussed in prior issues). 3. The FORGIVEN often makes important changes in his/her life. 4. The relationship between the FORGIVER and the FORGIVEN is deepened.
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