It is one thing to talk about forgiveness. It is altogether a different thing to actually forgive, especially someone who has wounded you deeply through a completely irresponsible act.
On November 17th of last year, my friend Clete Childs was killed when his Oldsmobile was hit head on by a Land Rover driven by 47 year old Floyd Sumner. Sumner was intoxicated at the time and survived his injuries. Clete was sixteen when he died.
Sumner plead guilty to involuntary manslaughter and was sentenced yesterday in Greensboro.
Clete's parents were in the courtroom. Clete's father is Craig Childs, the senior pastor of Friendly Hills Church, PCA. Shortly before Sumner's sentencing, Craig embraced and forgave Sumner for what happened on that horrific November day.
Lee Paige, an elder at the church, said their faith allowed them to embrace the man whose actions led to the death of their son.
"They are extraordinary because the God they serve is extraordinary," he said.
Craig Childs said afterward that he and his family were "blessed by being able to let go of the fury."
Amazing grace. Only God's sustaining and amazing grace can explain such an act.
Please pray for Clete's family when you read this, and ask for God's continued grace for Clete's parents, his sisters and his brother. They need it. The fury may be gone, but the pain is ever present.
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