Previous Challenge Entry (Level 4 – Masters)
Topic: AMEND (11/02/23)
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TITLE: Embracing Forgiveness and Mercy | Previous Challenge Entry
By Mariane Holbrook
11/09/23 -
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Ben didn't look directly at his nemesis, George, but there was no question as to whom he was referring. As chairman of the executive board, George remained composed and, as usual, didn't respond or show any visible reaction to Ben's latest charge against George.
George sorted some papers on his lap, then asked, "Is there anything else we should address before we adjourn? Any comments or business we might have overlooked?" After a reasonable amount of time had passed, the meeting was adjourned.
Ben was the first one out the door. The other members remained to have an encouraging word for George, which they felt was becoming more frequent as time passed. George was a life-long member of the church, revered by most members, who found his godly humility and leadership abilities worthy of praise. The Pastor shared their feelings and often called on George to fill the pulpit when the Pastor was on vacation or unable to preach.
George lived only a block from the church and, since his retirement two years earlier, had taken afternoon walks to the local park. Often, as he passed by the church, he would go inside to pray alone at the altar for church members who had asked for prayer.
One day, George tried unlocking the front door to the church, and found the lock had been changed, as did the other locks on the other three church doors. Thinking nothing of it, he sat at the bottom of the long, wide concrete stairs leading to the sanctuary and spent his usual time in prayer.
On Sunday, he mentioned to the pastor that he'd like a key to the new locks on the doors, but when the pastor brought the matter up to Ben, he offhandedly replied, "Pastor, we ran out of keys. But I'll be sure George gets one." But after two weeks, the church remained locked to George.
After church one Sunday, while the pastor walked back to his office, he overheard Ben talking to someone in a vacant Sunday School room. "And he's not going to get a key either. If I have to, I'll tell the pastor that George has left the door unlocked several times, leaving the church unprotected. I don't know if he has, but I don't want George to have access like he once did." The pastor continued walking toward his office but planned to confront Ben about the matter as soon as possible.
That week, George was admitted to the hospital after a panel of blood tests revealed that George might have pancreatic cancer. His skin color, weakness, weight loss, pain, and loss of appetite were symptoms that prompted his wife to schedule an immediate appointment with George's doctor.
During that same week, the pastor visited Ben at his home. After reading from Scripture, they each prayed for unity in the church and a renewed love for the brethren. During his prayer, Ben broke down in tears as he confessed his dislike and jealousy of George to the point where he spread rumors and lies about George. The visit lasted over two hours, and the pastor was convinced that George was a new man now that he had repented.
Ben was the first church member to visit George in the hospital. When Ben walked in, George was lying in the hospital bed but opened his arms widely. Through tears, George cried, "Oh, brother Ben, I'm so glad to see you!" Then they hugged each other warmly.
Ben held George's hand and said, "I've come to make amends and ask your forgiveness." Ben confessed his sins of spreading rumors and lies about George and mistreating him in front of others.
"Of course, I forgive you, even as God forgives me every day for things I've done that have broken God's heart," George replied.
Ben served as a pallbearer at George's memorial service, so well attended that many mourners spilled out onto the wide outdoor stairs where George had often prayed.
While carrying his friend to the burial site with the other pallbearers, Ben was seen placing his hand on the coffin and saying, "'Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.' You were merciful to me, George." (Matthew 5:7) KJV)
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Based on a true story.
“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied. (Matthew 5:6) KJV
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God." (Matthew 5:8) KJV
“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God." (Matthew 5:9) KJV
“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account. Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you. (Matthew 5:11,12) KJV
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