The Lost Souls of Black Folk and White Folk, Part 79

TEXT: 1 John 2:8-11

Yesterday, we saw God at work in the courtroom like never before in America. Amber Guyger, a white police officer in Dallas, Texas, was convicted of murder and sentenced to 10 years in prison after killing Botham Jean, a black man, in his own apartment. While some people reacted angrily, Botham Jean’s brother Brandt said, “I forgive you, and I know if you go to God and ask him, he will forgive you. I wasn’t going to say this in front of my family or anyone, but I don’t even want you to go to jail. I want the best for you, because I know that’s what Botham would want, and the best would be to give your life to Christ. I love you as a person, and I don’t wish anything bad on you.” He then gave Guyger a hug. The black judge presiding over the case, Tammy Kemp, also hugged Guyger and gave her a Bible. The Dallas Morning News reported that as the two women embraced, Guyger whispered in her ear. Kemp responded loud enough for the few remaining in the courtroom to hear. “Ma’am, it’s not because I am good,” the judge said. “It’s because I believe in Christ. None of us are worthy. Forgive yourself.” Kemp told Guyger to start reading the Bible, telling her to take the one she was reading from. She turned to defense attorney Robert Rogers and told him she was bringing Guyger a study Bible on Thursday. That was God at work. That is the love that God wants us as Christians to show to those around us, even if they have greatly wronged us.