A YOUNG soldier had been brought before his superior officer many times over to receive sentence for various offences. The punishment inflicted upon him seemed only to make him worse. The officer was at his wit's end. It seemed strange that one so young, should be so hardened.
When brought before him for the fifteenth time, the officer said,
"It seems a pity that a young fellow like you, who ought to be a credit to her Majesty's service, should be disgraced and punished to no purpose. I have resolved today to give you a free pardon."
The young man was overcome with emotion, and from that time forward he was the best behaved man in the regiment. The results that punishment had failed to produce, had been brought about by unmerited kindness. It touched his heart, and made him feel that he wanted to repay it in kindness.
Does not this story remind us of the grace of God that has made it possible to forgive us our sins, so that they will be remembered no more against us? A mighty work was necessary, however, before He could thus come forth as a God of pardon. His great heart of love went out to a world of sinners. He pitied them in their lost condition, and His compassionate love found expression in providing a Saviour.
This Saviour was none other than His only and beloved Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. Him He gave to be a sacrifice for sin. Upon His holy Person the penalty of our sins was poured out as He hung upon the cross. He was punished in the sinner's stead. Thus the work of redemption was accomplished whereby God is just in giving a full and free pardon to all who will believe.
Reader, is there no response in your heart to this wondrous love of God? Surely there is everything in His love to win the heart and confidence. If the young soldier was won by the forgiving kindness shown to him, how much more appealing is the love of God that He has proved at such a cost.
Accept the Saviour that His love has provided, apart from Whom there is no forgiveness or salvation.
Messages of God’s Love 7/27/1930