I read an article about death row inmates. It talked about prisoners who had been sentenced to death but remained in prison for years because their executions had not been carried out. The article mentioned that some of them were being transferred to other prison. I felt a chill run down my spine upon realizing that some of these notorious criminals—whose names I instantly recognized—were still alive. The comments section was flooded with criticism. Many people complained that housing them was a waste of taxpayers’ money, and some even insisted that their sentences should be carried out immediately. I found myself nodding in agreement—until I suddenly paused.
“Aren’t I a spiritual death row inmate too?”
People don’t usually feel sympathy for death row inmates. No matter how much they plead or how many excuses they make, others rarely show compassion. Instead, society demands they pay the price for their crimes because their sins are considered too grievous to forgive.
Spiritually, I am no different. Because of the sins I committed in heaven, I was sentenced to death. Yet I live my life as if I am guiltless, judging others while forgetting my own wrongdoing. I seek comfort and ease while avoiding suffering, even though I have done nothing to deserve such luxury. Such an attitude is surely worthy of rebuke. And yet—even if the entire world were to condemn me—there is still Ones who stand by my side: our Heavenly Father and Mother.
They have forgiven me not because I am blameless, but because I am Their child. So how could I continue to sin? I must not let the precious blood They shed to cleanse me be in vain. I will cast off my sinful nature and strive to reach true repentance.