Christina’s Testimony #2: Sentenced – Mercy and Grace

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Christina M., Grace, Inmate Testimonies, Jesus Christ, Justice, Mercy, Testimony

Read Christina’s first testimony here.

12/02/2014

When I signed the state’s final plea offer of 15 years in the State of New Mexico Women’s Correctional Facility, it was as if my life at that moment was in slow motion.  My attorney, along with a court deputy, led me to a room furnished only with a long mahogany table and six chairs.  In the middle of the table was a stack of legal papers and a shiny silver ink pen – as if signing my life away with a fancy writing utensil would make me feel better about this outcome!  I couldn’t help but notice a framed 8×10 picture on the wall.  There she was, standing tall and proud… ribboned in a gold plated frame… Lady Justice… blindfolded.

Forgiving the Unforgivable – Part 1

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Conscience, Forgiveness, Guilt, Justice, Sin

The last two studies on forgiveness focused on Jesus’ teaching on forgiveness, and His living example of forgiveness.  In this study, we are going to look at some common misconceptions, deceptions and lies about forgiveness, and counter them with God’s Truth, using a “case study” from the Chardon Ohio school shooting in 2012.

Forgiveness – Following Jesus Part 3

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Forgiveness, Gospel, Jesus Christ, Justice, Obedience

So why is it so hard to forgive when others hurt us?  So what are the barriers we face when it comes to granting forgiveness to others?  Our unwillingness to let go of the hurt and pain the person caused in our life seems to be a big stumbling block for many of us.  And our desire for justice – to see the person punished for what they did.  Or maybe we actually go beyond justice, and have a desire to seek revenge or vengeance.

All of these things have something in common – our desire to stand in judgment over the wrongs of others.  Our desire to be “like God”, just like Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden.  Our desire to seat ourselves squarely on the throne of God.