Thoughts on Forgiveness

By Chara Benson, Outreach Worker / Teacher in Victoria Village

In this clip from the movie, “Les Miserables”, the bishop’s act of generosity, forgiveness, and mercy has a big impact on the criminal Jean Valjean. This reminds me of another story that started way back in the beginning with Adam and Eve when they chose to disobey God and allowed sin to enter into the world. This grieved God because he created us and loved us so much that he wanted us to be able to be with him forever. God’s plan of redemption was to send his only son Jesus to die in our place because he LOVES US so much. 

Just like the Bishop who FORGAVE Jean Valjean even though he DIDN’T DESERVE forgiveness, Jesus also forgave us when we didn’t deserve it. This allowed us to be able to have the CHOICE to accept JESUS’ forgiveness and spend ETERNITY with Him. 

Later on, the movie shows how the criminal Jean Valjean’s life changes completely. That FORGIVENESS that the bishop showed, affected his whole life and as a result he lived the rest of his life with kindness, compassion and mercy towards others. 

It makes me wonder, how has my life changed and reflected these qualities as a result of the forgiveness I have received from God? 

“For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only son, that who so ever believes in him, shall not perish but have everlasting life.”