More than 15 years ago a young detective promised a dying girl he would catch those who had hurt her.
Last week, after many years, the last of the four who brutally assaulted and killed the girl, went to jail.
Once again I became aware of the danger of sin. We can live our lives, go on like it is all okay, but our past can catch up with us without warning.
A young girl or boy was violated sexually. Many years later justice can catch up with that person who destroyed an innocent person’s life.
But it was the mother of the murdered girl who brought reality into the situation.
After the case was closed and the man sent to jail, she said, “I can forgive, but I cannot forget.”
Many people struggle with not forgiving. Like cancer it can cause pain and paralysis years after the event.
It is easy for the preacher to say forgive, forget and let bygones be bygones.
Healing starts when we ask God to help us to let go. Difficult as it is, we have to come to the place where we can let go.
Jesus is our ultimate role model.
Hanging on a cross, punished for a crime he didn’t commit, he cried out these famous words, “Father, forgive them for they know not what they do.”
You may not be able to forgive, but you can ask God to forgive those who hurt you.
It’s a start.
