"A VERDICT OF FORGIVENESS" - By David Closson, Family Research Council, October 03, 2019; https://www.frc.org/updatearticle/20191003/verdict-forgiveness [AS I SEE IT: Wow! With the headlines dominated by acts of violence and retribution, of endless acrimony among those who are supposed to lead us, there comes this young man of incredible Christ-like love and forgiveness. The previous post on this blog spoke of how adolescents often lack great maturity. But then comes an adolescent who does what adults around him failed to do. Absolutely amazing and inspiring, what a special and unforgettable example of what the love and forgiveness of Christ is all about. Talk about taking your breath away - Wow!- Stan]
A recent series of events in a Dallas courtroom once again testify to the power of Christian love and forgiveness. Wednesday, 18-year-old Brandt Jean was given an opportunity to give a victim-impact statement at the sentencing of Amber Guyger, the police officer convicted of murdering his older brother, Botham Jean. In a stunning moment, Brandt publicly forgave his brother's killer and pleaded with her to give her life to Christ.
Last September, Guyger shot and killed Botham Jean after entering his apartment. The off-duty police officer believed she had entered her own apartment and that Jean was a burglar. After an emotional trial that captured national attention, Amber Guyger was found guilty of murder on Tuesday.
Seated just a few feet away from his brother's killer, Brandt said, "If you truly are sorry, I can speak for myself, I forgive, and I know if you go to God and ask him, he will forgive you." Fighting back tears, he continued: "I wasn't going to ever say this in front of my family or anyone, but I don't even want you to go to jail. I want the best for you, because I know that's exactly what Botham would want you to do. And the best would be to give your life to Christ."
Concluding, Brandt said, "Again I love you as a person and I don't wish anything bad on you." Then looking at the judge he asked, "I don't know if this is possible, but can I give her a hug, please?" Receiving permission, Brandt embraced Guyger as audible sobs were heard throughout the courtroom.
Afterward, Judge Tammy Kemp also pointed the convicted police officer to Christ, stepping off the bench and handing Guyger her personal Bible. "You haven't done so much that you can't be forgiven," the judge explained. "You did something bad in one moment in time. What you do now matters." Before Guyger was escorted back to her jail cell, Judge Kemp read John 3:16, saying, "And this is where you start. 'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.'"
Speaking to reporters after the sentencing, Bertram Jean, Botham's father, also forgave his son's killer. Echoing his younger son's remarks, he said: "I felt the same way as Brandt. I wish I could've extended that same courtesy," he said. "That's what Christ would want us to do... If you will not forgive, neither will your Father forgive you. I don't want to see her rot in hell. I don't want to see her rot in prison. I hope this will help her to change and recognize the damage, the hurt that our family's going through. So, I wish her well and I will pray for her family and pray for her as well."
[italics and colored emphasis mine]
In a world where resentment, anger, and rage are the norm, these unexpected -- and undeserved -- words of love and kindness from a grieving father bear witness to a profound and mature Christian faith. They also show a commitment to honor and obey Jesus, who in His most well-known sermon, instructed His followers to be light and salt in a dark and dying world (Mat 5:13-14). Without question, this family's gracious words and actions have been a powerful testimony to the truth of the gospel. In a very personal and public way, Botham Jean's family has shown the world what it means to know and follow Jesus. May Christians pray for this dear family and follow their courageous and God-honoring example.
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See this young man testify at: https://youtu.be/NkoE_GQsbNA
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In 1 Corinthians 1:18, the Apostle Paul says, "For the word of the cross is folly to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God" (1 Cor 1:18). In other words, what appears weak and foolish to the world -- forgiveness and love -- is actually the very power of God.A recent series of events in a Dallas courtroom once again testify to the power of Christian love and forgiveness. Wednesday, 18-year-old Brandt Jean was given an opportunity to give a victim-impact statement at the sentencing of Amber Guyger, the police officer convicted of murdering his older brother, Botham Jean. In a stunning moment, Brandt publicly forgave his brother's killer and pleaded with her to give her life to Christ.
Last September, Guyger shot and killed Botham Jean after entering his apartment. The off-duty police officer believed she had entered her own apartment and that Jean was a burglar. After an emotional trial that captured national attention, Amber Guyger was found guilty of murder on Tuesday.
Seated just a few feet away from his brother's killer, Brandt said, "If you truly are sorry, I can speak for myself, I forgive, and I know if you go to God and ask him, he will forgive you." Fighting back tears, he continued: "I wasn't going to ever say this in front of my family or anyone, but I don't even want you to go to jail. I want the best for you, because I know that's exactly what Botham would want you to do. And the best would be to give your life to Christ."
Concluding, Brandt said, "Again I love you as a person and I don't wish anything bad on you." Then looking at the judge he asked, "I don't know if this is possible, but can I give her a hug, please?" Receiving permission, Brandt embraced Guyger as audible sobs were heard throughout the courtroom.
Afterward, Judge Tammy Kemp also pointed the convicted police officer to Christ, stepping off the bench and handing Guyger her personal Bible. "You haven't done so much that you can't be forgiven," the judge explained. "You did something bad in one moment in time. What you do now matters." Before Guyger was escorted back to her jail cell, Judge Kemp read John 3:16, saying, "And this is where you start. 'For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life.'"
Speaking to reporters after the sentencing, Bertram Jean, Botham's father, also forgave his son's killer. Echoing his younger son's remarks, he said: "I felt the same way as Brandt. I wish I could've extended that same courtesy," he said. "That's what Christ would want us to do... If you will not forgive, neither will your Father forgive you. I don't want to see her rot in hell. I don't want to see her rot in prison. I hope this will help her to change and recognize the damage, the hurt that our family's going through. So, I wish her well and I will pray for her family and pray for her as well."
[italics and colored emphasis mine]
In a world where resentment, anger, and rage are the norm, these unexpected -- and undeserved -- words of love and kindness from a grieving father bear witness to a profound and mature Christian faith. They also show a commitment to honor and obey Jesus, who in His most well-known sermon, instructed His followers to be light and salt in a dark and dying world (Mat 5:13-14). Without question, this family's gracious words and actions have been a powerful testimony to the truth of the gospel. In a very personal and public way, Botham Jean's family has shown the world what it means to know and follow Jesus. May Christians pray for this dear family and follow their courageous and God-honoring example.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
See this young man testify at: https://youtu.be/NkoE_GQsbNA
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PRAYER MATTERS:
"To clasp the hands in prayer is the beginning of an uprising
againstthe disorder of the world. - Karl Barth
againstthe disorder of the world. - Karl Barth
"Prayer is inviting God into a seemingly impossible situation and trusting/resting in His love and grace to accomplish His perfect will in His perfect time and for His greatest glory. Intercession is one of the great privileges AND responsibilities for EVERY believer."- Stan
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Praying Through the Open Doors World Watch List for persecuted believers:https://www.opendoorsusa.org/take-action/pray/monthly-prayer-calendar/
*Names changed to protect identities
Monthly Focus | NORTH KOREA-In North Korea (No. 1 for 18 consecutive years on theWorld Watch List), parents can’t risk telling their children about their faith. Some wait until their children are old enough; others never feel that freedom. This month, join us in praying for secret believers in North Korea.
October 4 | NORTH KOREA - Pray that North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un would see his
need for God. Ask God to “remove from them their heart of stone and give them a heart of flesh” (Ezek. 11:19).*Names changed to protect identities
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