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Key Bible Verse: "But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you" (Matthew 5:44). Bonus Reading: Matthew 5:38-48

Aaron got a summer job driving a bus in southside Chicago. Several mornings in a row, a gang of tough kids got on without paying, ignoring the rookie driver's warnings. The next morning, after they got on, Aaron saw a policeman, pulled over and reported the offense. The officer told them to pay or get off. They paid. But after the policeman got off, they assaulted Aaron. When he came to, two teeth were missing, both eyes swollen, his money gone.

Aaron pressed charges. But at the hearing, Aaron's heart went out to his attackers. After their sentencing, he asked to speak "Your Honor, I request that you allow me to serve the total time for which these men have been sentenced in their place." Aaron turned to the gang members, "It's because I forgive you."

The dumbfounded judge said,"Young man, you're out of order. This sort of thing has never been done!"

Aaron replied, "Yes, your honor, it has." He explained how Jesus died to pay the penalty all mankind deserved. Aaron's request wasn't granted, but he visited the gang members in jail, led most to faith and began a southside Chicago ministry.

— in Improving Your Serve

• Are you willing to forgive?

Thought to Apply: If we really know Christ as our Savior, our hearts are broken and cannot be healed, and we cannot refuse forgiveness.

—DAVID MARTIN LLOYD-JONES (WELSH PREACHER AND WRITER)

Credits: Adapted from—Thursday: Improving Your Serve (Word, 1991)

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