Return good for evil. Bless rather than curse. Forgive, just as Christ has forgiven you. Respond to incidents in your life in a biblical way.
SHAUNA: Hi, I’m Shauna on Joni Eareckson Tada: Sharing Hope. Today Joni shares a powerful example of forgiveness. Lean in and be blessed.
JONI: The other day a woman named Bonnie called to request a radio offer. And during the phone call, she shared the most amazing story. About a year ago, she was hit by a drunk driver, someone named Cameron. Although she would not share the extent of her injuries, we could tell by the call that she was in a lot of pain. All this, yet Bonnie told us she never felt malice toward the offending party. In fact, ever since the accident she has prayed for this man. She has prayed that he would come to know Jesus. She also prayed that every time he took a drink of alcohol, that it would make him sick.
Well, a few weeks ago, the court date arrived for the man’s sentencing. Bonnie went to court and prayed that she would have an opportunity to speak to Cameron. Seeing a young man sitting on a bench outside the courtroom, Bonnie approached him and asked if his name was Cameron. He said it was. Then Bonnie told him that she was the lady he had hit. And instantly, Cameron broke down, apologizing profusely, “I am so sorry.” He said. “I ruined your life.” But Bonnie told him that she was not angry, and that God had given her the ability to forgive him.
She then asked Cameron if he knew God. The man launched into an explanation about himself, and also told Bonnie that he would never drink again. He said, “I can’t drink. Listen, every time I take a drink, I get sick.” Well, Bonnie couldn’t help it, she had to giggle. But he said, “Why is that so funny?” She then shared how she had been praying that he would get sick any time he drank. Shocked, he looked at her and asked, “Ma’am, do you have a direct line to God?” To which Bonnie replied, “As a matter of fact, I do. And you can have a direct line to God as well.” Cameron did not receive the Lord that day, but he certainly heard about him. And the good news is his court date was extended. Bonnie is planning on meeting him again on the rescheduled date. She told us that if Cameron might soon come to Jesus, all her pain would be worth it, if only he might experience salvation in Christ.
Now, I am so amazed by this story. I mean, Bonnie’s perspective on all this is so biblical. It’s so in line with what the Bible teaches. It’s also unusual, sadly, even for many Christians. I mean, here’s a woman whose terrible pain is caused by the very man that she is earnestly praying for, and reaching out to, and sharing Christ with—it’s an entirely unnatural response. Most would think if this guy does not get what’s coming to him, then I would take matters into my own hands, and I’d use criticism. And I’d use slander, and I would hold a big grudge to make certain he is in some way is paid back. That is a natural response. But a supernatural response, a biblical one like Bonnie’s, it says, “Sure, this awful person who mistreated me deserves to be exposed, brought to justice, rebuked. But whether or not he is penalized, I will not be bitter nor retaliate. I will return good for evil. I will bless, rather than curse. I will forgive him, just as Christ has forgiven me.” Yep, that’s biblical; it’s Matthew 6:12; “Lord, forgive us our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.”
It’s the way Jesus taught us to pray, and it is the way the Lord has taught Bonnie to live. No, rather, He’s taught us all to live that way. And maybe, well maybe you’ll join me in praying alongside Bonnie that soon and yes, very soon, Cameron will come to know Jesus Christ. That would be quite a supernatural response! Friend, if you are in need of an encouraging word today in the midst of your hardship, I do hope you have found these words helpful. And so, share them with a friend, would you? You can always share this program at joniradio.org.
© Joni and Friends