1 John 15:10
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness
I’ve read this verse at least a dozen times in my lifetime, and it’s never really meant a thing to me. Even when I was in AWANA as a child, earning my stripes and patches by memorizing verses like a boyscout memorizes codes of conduct, they were just words meshed together, forming Charlie Brown sounds. But today, these words meant something much more. A friend of mine read this verse today and was moved to tears when she read it. She wasn’t sure why. “Grateful, fearful, joyful, and humbled all at the same time” she supposed. What compelled her to such emotion?
I had confessed my sin. And I was judged for it. Was it a just punishment? I didn’t think so. I still don’t. Forgiveness? From whom? When I went to prison for 20 months, I didn’t see much forgiveness there. But today…today marks a day where I shed some chains. I actually feel a little lighter – literally.
I came home from work and checked the mail. As I walked into my place, there was one letter that stood out among the sea of bills and junk mail.
Dear Mr. Fitzgerald
We are pleased to inform you that your supervision period terminated on June 29, 2009. It will not be necessary to submit further reports to this office.
We hope that your relationship with our office has been helpful and extend to you our best wishes for your future happiness and success.
Today marks the end of a 3 year “relationship” being chained to a probation officer. A chain has broken and fallen to the floor around me. After 6 years, I’ve finally been forgiven.
Amazing grace
How sweet the sound
That saved a wretch like me…
My chains are gone
I’ve been set free
My God, my Savior has ransomed me
And like a flood His mercy reigns
Unending love, Amazing grace
The Calm Before the Storm 