The soul-crushing weight of guilt

The soul-crushing weight of guilt

Bible: Ephesians 4:25-32

Reading

[Forgive] each other, just as in Christ God forgave you (V.32).

Rachael Denhollander was the last of more than 150 survivors to speak to the court before their abuser was sentenced. She said the man who had mistreated young gymnast girls deserved the maximum penalty. “How much is a little girl worth?” she asked. “You have damaged hundreds.” Worse than prison, Rachael reminded him of the “final judgment where all of God’s wrath and eternal terror is poured out on men like you.” But there is hope, even for him. If someday he owns what he’s done, “the guilt will be crushing. And that is what makes the gospel of Christ so sweet. Because it extends grace and hope and mercy where none should be found. And it will be there for you.” Rachael bravely forgave just as she had been forgiven “in Christ” (EPHESIANS 4:32). She didn’t brush what he’d done under the carpet. She called the man’s actions “evil and wicked” and told him he needed to change and turn to God. She said, “I pray you experience the soul-crushing weight of guilt so you may someday experience true forgiveness from God.” Her clear understanding of the man’s bad actions showed her forgiveness was real. She would never excuse what he had done, but with God’s help she would daily let go of anger and bitterness. She would not demand from him the debt she was owed. Rachael forgave, as God had forgiven her.

GIVE THE FORGIVENESS YOU HAVE BEEN GIVEN.

Youth Edition – Our Daily Bread Ministries