Forgiving is hard. An English poet (Alexander Pope) once said “To err is human, to forgive divine.” Certainly by our own power and in our flesh alone it is very hard to forgive.
I don’t listen to country. But I found this song after listening to hymns on Youtube. The song is called “The Preacher And The Stranger.”
Here are the lyrics:
The preacher told the stranger at the door.
Come sit down by this fire, let the coffee warm you up.
I can’t say I’ve seen it rain this hard before.”
The stranger said ”
I saw you’re sign as I was walking down the road and I figured that a church might be the safest place to go.”
And if you’re looking for a shelter from the storm, you’ll find one here.”
They sat and talked for hours there in that empty church, about how life’s unfair sometimes, trying to make sense of how God works.
The preacher said, ”
I lost my son one summer and he was only 25.
A drunk driver crossed that double yellow line.
I prayed so hard to Jesus to save my only son, it seems all I do these days is question why?
Now I stand here every Sunday and preach to everybody else.
I talk a lot about forgiveness, but I can’t do it myself.”
I don’t know why I’m telling you all this, or if you even care”
They sat and talked for hours there in that empty church, about how life’s unfair sometimes, trying to make sense of how God works.
Tears filled the strangers eyes, he said ”
I know I’ve changed alot.
I might be hard for you to recognise.
Late one summer night, I’d had too much to drink, I got behind the wheel and changed both of our lives.
And I’m sorry just ain’t good enough when you hurt someone like that.
And if I could God knows I’d give my life to bring him back.”
And I’m here to ask forgiveness, if you even care.”
They sat and talked for hours there in that empty church, about how life’s unfair sometimes, trying to make sense of how God works.
I think the lyrics is moving.
Forgiving others isn’t easy. But it is commanded by Jesus. Yet Jesus doesn’t leave us alone in our own power to work things out. Christ, God’s love and the Gospel are powerful motivations to forgive others even when it is hard.
This sermon might be helpful. I think it is worth your time. I think its worth listening to even if there’s another foreign language that’s its translated into and yes it is preached in English and you can understand it.
Both the singers were light in Country Music. The wife died a few years ago to cancer. They had a beautiful marriage.
Reblogged this on Talmidimblogging.
Thanks for the reblog
Yankee Whiskey Bravo
Here’s a touching video they made towards the end of her young life:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xcpjSMmWUDw
So sad. This does makes me think about the gift of marriage and appreciate life today.
Good. TY.
I loved that song. Thanks!
What a beautiful post…thanking God for His grace and mercy… and enabling power!
Very moving, Jim.
Yes it is very moving. Concerning your last comment, I got swamped and didn’t reply to it till now but I do have a question: Did I read it correctly your father got you an Iphone? That makes him a great-grandfather then if you guys are taking care of your grandkids! How’s the phone thus far?
Yep! He’s a great grandfather! 🙂 The iphone works really good, but I’m not sure how much data his plan allows for him. With me, I use my own wifi, so there’s no problem, but he’s not sure if he has 1000 MB or 1000 GB. I’m hoping he finds out soon so that he doesn’t bust his data cap.
I love this couple! I have one of their cds on hymns. What a powerful reminder to forgive others. Thanks for sharing this SlimJim ☺️
Thanks for the good video and sermon! Yes, God’s Word isn’t pie-in-the-sky abstract theology, but it’s a light to our path right where we’re walking. I enjoy holding a grudge when I feel I’ve been wronged, but the Holy Spirit uses the Word to remind me of how God forgave and forgives me through Christ, as you mention in the sermon.
Amen! What truth that you mentioned of how God’s Word has bearing in our present life now and not just for salvation and entrance into heaven (which is true). Sometimes in ministry it is something that I try to remind believers of the Gospel’s present bearing for life now before eternity!
Speaking of ministry I’m going to be out and about all day with ministry and I might take a longer time getting around to reading your wonderful blog today, since I normally read on a laptop for WordPress though I respond to notifications on my phone lol. Pray for me if you can as I’m teaching twice this afternoon and night, yeah?
I’m praying for your afternoon and evening, Jimmy!
Reblogged this on Joshua Swanson.
Forgiveness is not easy. But Christ’s forgiveness motivates us to forgive.
No one really commented about your sermon at the bottom of the post. That sermon was really good.