Tuesday, March 18th
Nelly Hosler
“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they are red as crimson, they shall be like wool.” Isaiah 1: 18b
We live in a broken world, but that does not define who we are. At times, we face challenges and difficulties—whether in our work, families, friendships, or even through trauma and grief. Yet, God calls us to do the right thing, not for our own name or recognition, but for His glory. He commands us to love others regardless of their social status, race, or background. We may be popular, have fame, or be surrounded by many friends, but if all we do is for our own reputation, God calls that hypocrisy (Matthew 23).
God loves us. He loves us no matter who we are. He sent His Son to die on the cross for our sins, and as long as we love Him and accept Him in our hearts, He washes away our sins.
On May 26, 2021, my son fell into a coma in the hospital because of a crime committed against him. I was speechless; my heart shattered. I couldn’t understand why this had happened. Day after day, I stayed by his side in the hospital, searching for answers. Then, I remembered a dream he had shared with me a few months earlier—an unusual dream for a 12-year-old boy. He told me he was sitting in a beautiful garden, feeling peaceful and happy.
When that memory surfaced, something stirred in my heart. I felt as if God was telling me that He wanted my son to come home. It didn’t make sense to me—I wanted him to stay here with me. On the sixth day, I prayed and spoke to my son, even though he was still in a coma. I believed he could hear me. In my prayer, I forgave the perpetrator. I told my son that I remembered his dream and that, as his mother, I wanted him to stay on Earth with me. But if he chose to go to the beautiful garden with God, I would surrender to God’s will.
It was so hard for me to accept this, but just less than 24 hours later his brave little heart slowed down and finally stopped beating; Jose went home to his Father in heaven.
The news of the crime was everywhere in my home country. A week after my son’s passing, the police arrested the perpetrator. In that moment, the Lord reminded me of His own Son—Jesus, who died on the cross, even for this man who had taken my son’s life.
I knew what I had to do. I took a Bible and went to the jail to see him. I only spoke to him for about ten minutes. At the end of our conversation, I told him, “I am a Christian, and I forgive you because of Jesus.” Then, I handed him the Bible. He crouched on the floor, bowed his head, and apologized. I told him to repent and ask Jesus for forgiveness. Soon after, the police took him back to his cell. That was the first and last time I saw him.
I knew in my heart that I had done the right thing—not for my own sake, but for God’s kingdom. If I had done it for my own name, I would not have had the strength to face him. But because I remembered who I am—a servant of God—I did not act according to my fleshly desires. Instead, I felt a victory in my heart. Though I grieved, I felt God’s reminder:
“Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow, if you are willing and obedient.”
When I looked at the perpetrator’s face, the Lord reminded me that I, too, am a sinner. The world once chose to free Barabbas and crucify Jesus. It was all of us who nailed Jesus to the cross. And yet, Jesus died for that man, just as He died for me. In that moment, I felt unworthy to judge him. Instead, I felt the Lord take away my anger and hatred, replacing it with a mission—to serve His kingdom.
A Prayer of Forgiveness
Lord Jesus Christ, we invite You into our hearts. Forgive us our sins, just as we forgive those who have sinned against us. Use our lives as Your hands and feet in this world. Amen.