FORGIVENESS

The Duke of Wellington was about to pronounce the death sentence on a confirmed deserter.

Deeply moved, the great General said, "I am extremely sorry to pass this severe sentence, but we have tried everything & all the discipline & penalties have failed to improve this man who is otherwise a brave & good soldier."

Then he gave the man's comrades an opportunity to speak for him.

"Please, your Excellency," said one of the men, "there is one thing you have never tried. You have not tried forgiving him."

The General forgave him & it worked: the soldier never again deserted & ever showed his gratitude to the Iron Duke.

-(moreillustrations.com)                      

1Jn 1:9 (KJV): "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness."

The Lord says: "... for I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more." (Jer 31:34)