A mother of four in Oklahoma recently showed America the difference forgiveness can make in someone’s life.
Jessica Eaves noticed her wallet was missing while shopping at the grocery store. She saw a man in one of the aisles who had it, but before approaching him, she took some time to think about the best way to handle the situation. A Bible verse came to mind:
… from him who takes away your cloak, don’t withhold your coat also. – Luke 6:29
Jessica walked up to the man and told him that Jesus forgives her every day and that she was willing to forgive him, too. She asked for the wallet back and said that she would buy him groceries. The man was ashamed and told her that he had kids and no money. Jessica assured him that she understood and had gone through hard times too. She explained to him that “He has every opportunity to turn his life around and that Jesus loves him unconditionally no matter what he’s going through and no matter what he’s done.”
When Jessica took the man to the register to check out, he began to cry. As Jessica opened up her wallet to pay, she saw that she had $28, exactly enough to cover his groceries. She knew that God had put her in this situation to demonstrate grace and forgiveness to this man. And now everyone who has seen this news story has also witnessed the kind of forgiveness God offers us daily.
Fox News personality Elisabeth Hasselbeck commented on Jessica’s response to the situation, saying that most people would have gotten the police involved, but she instead gave him a second chance.
At Prison Fellowship, we believe in second chances because God has the power to redeem anyone through his grace. As Jesus’ hands and feet, we should be a light in the darkness, sharing this great gift of redemption with those who don’t yet believe it is possible.
Here’s Elisabeth Hasselbeck’s interview with Jessica Eaves:
