Forgiveness is what God expects

To the editor:At church several cars were broken into and our purses were stolen. The reaction was disbelief, reality then anger that we had been violated in a place of trust and that the person responsible had violated me, family, friends and my church. I wanted to lash out, get even.

But God is so good. After lots of tears, fear, anger and hating the person responsible, God said in his quiet voice: "You have to forgive."

Why should I have to forgive someone who has violated my life and others whom I love? God answered: "Because I gave my son to forgive you for all the things that you do. If I can forgive, so can you."

Could I accept what God was telling me? Last night with the same group, we were laughing, talking and sharing, which helped me realize what a blessing we are to each other. No one was hurt physically, and the pain of rebuilding what we lost will go away. We believe and have faith that God is in control.

So, with these thoughts in mind, I forgive the person responsible for violating my life, the lives of those I love and the church that I cherish. I promise to pray for you every day and hope that God sends someone to cross your path who can lead you to Christ and forgiveness.

Most of all, I ask forgiveness for my sins.

TERRY K. SPARKS, Cape Girardeau