“I forgive this murderer because of my faith in God and in Jesus Christ.” Those were the words of Las Vegas boxing coach Arturo Martinez as he stood with his two young sons beside him and made that incredibly emotional statement to reporters. Nearly three months earlier, he’d been nearly bludgeoned to death in a home invasion, during which his wife and daughter were killed. His words were powerful and remarkable. They remind one of the words of the Lord Jesus. From the cross He cried out, “Father forgive them…” And He was not speaking of just one person who had wronged Him, but of every person ever born into this world. John, speaking of Christ’s death, said it was “not for our sin only, but for the whole world.” Paul the Apostle added, “…God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us.” While clearly all will not accept Christ as Savior, surely His forgiveness is available to everyone who will receive it. That’s an offer I couldn’t refuse. Can you?

Pastor Alex Rockwell