Remember forgiveness on Good Friday
“This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us.”
— 1 John 3:16 (NIV).
Some years back, often on a Friday afternoon, I enjoyed going to the mall for a walk. It gave me a chance to stretch my legs with some much-needed exercise and clear my head with a change of scenery.
One Friday in particular, I had the urge to visit one of my favorite stores to see if there were any bargains. But after 30 minutes of going through the clearance rack, nothing was really catching my eye. So I decided to go to the jewelry department and look around. I thought maybe seeing something bright and sparkly would lift my spirit.
I gazed through the assortment of necklaces, bracelets and earrings in the display case, and then wandered over to a display of broaches. I gently ran my fingers over a bronze-colored butterfly pin with a few shimmering stones. I placed it back because I realized that I really wasn’t in the mood for buying anything. I was simply window shopping.
As I continued to browse, I noticed a sales table with some watches and necklaces with bright colored stones. Admiring the stones displayed on each piece, I caught sight of a glistening cross necklace. Gazing at it gave me a warm feeling inside. As I looked it over a second time, I overheard a young couple discussing the assortment of crosses displayed.
“They are beautiful,” I chimed in uninvited.
“You think so?” the young woman replied.
Despite my interruption, the couple was still deep in conversation about what to buy. Pausing, they turned to me and asked if I liked the cross. I told them I didn’t just like it, I loved it!
The young woman asked if I thought it would make a good gift. I inquired what the occasion was. She went on to explain that it was a makeup gift for her boyfriend’s mother, whom she had offended in some way. I told her if that was the case, a cross was the perfect gift.
“It’s God’s sign to us regarding forgiveness,” I spoke.
Her eyes opened wide as she expressed that the mother was quite upset with her and was really hoping she would forgive her. Then she turned to her boyfriend and mentioned his mother was religious. He nodded in agreement, as he reached out to the assortment of crosses and selected just the right one.
As I turned to walk away, they thanked me for my help. I told them anytime they were in need of forgiveness the cross was the place to go.
I believe they walked away that Friday feeling a bit lighter in spirit. Like that Good Friday in history, God loved us so much that he sacrificed his Son, Jesus Christ, on a cross for the forgiveness of all mankind.
• Annettee Budzban is a Christian author, speaker, life coach and nurse. She can be contacted at annetteebudzban@aol.com or (847) 543-8413.