Forgiven ( Columbine)

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People that are around my age or definitely older remember what happened in April of 1999 to Columbine high school. Who knows? Perhaps younger people have heard about this as well from their friends or parents?

For me, I remember the story pretty clearly. 2 boys went on a shooting rampage in their high school. Killed 13 students and wounded 24 others.

I know! That was super bad back then. I really think  now that was only the beginning of many more school massacres and/or other shooting massacres in the coming future. So sad.

One of the shot and wounded students from this massacre, Patrick Ireland.  He had an interesting story. When Patrick was in middle school he always just had this feeling that God was going to use him for something. He had no idea what it was for.

Until, he was involved in the horrible Columbine tragedy. During his long recovery period, that was when Patrick realized his answer. Let me elaborate.

Patrick learned that, holding on to his bitterness over what happened to him at Columbine (Colorado) really  was making it more difficult to truly forget and let go of such a painful memory. He wanted his scars to heal instead of furthering his wounds. We need to stop focusing on what others have done to us. But, focus on what Jesus did for us.

Thank God because I am thinking that most of us probably won't have to endure such a horrible tragedy like Patrick did. However, what is coming to my now is our current events. I'm talking about the deadly riots and gang violence. You guys get what I mean. Go ahead and fill in the blanks etc.

I do know that there is no denying it. We all have been wronged in some way. Perhaps a cheating spouse?
Your coworker the thief? Your rebelling child. Parents who verbally and physically abuse? I don't know. Again fill in the blanks.

Let me end with this from my daily bread.

"Maybe we look to the example of our Savior. In the face of rejection and cruelty, He forgave. It is through Jesus’ forgiveness of our sins that we, ourselves, find salvation, which includes the ability to forgive others." Zq

Luke 1:77

to give knowledge of salvation to his people in the forgiveness of their sins.

Reflect & Pray

Is your heart open to forgive? How might you experience more of the salvation Jesus died to provide by choosing to move toward forgiving someone who has wronged you?

Dear Father, show me who I’m chosen to forgive today, and give me the strength to offer the forgiveness You died to provide

-Elisa Morgan

 Matthew West: Forgiveness