Imagine that, thought Tony. Here we beat the crap out of this guy and, four years later, he’s asking us for permission to come and forgive us! There was honesty in that letter that was undeniable. Jesus taught that unless you can forgive those who have harmed you, you will never be free. Tony remembered the verses as: “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors” and “forgive our trespasses as we forgive those who trespass against us.” He realized how powerful these words were when they were lived, not just recited, like he had done in church as a little boy. Tony wrote back to Kevin to tell him how touched he was, and that he would, of course, be happy to see him.

Danny read the letter over about six times. He couldn’t believe his eyes. Why would a guy he almost killed want to come to see him to forgive him? At first he was touched, and he even found himself holding the letter and tearing up a bit. He started to talk to God, and a newfound sense of freedom began to come over him. But then the voice began to whisper: There was something fishy about the whole thing. This Grant guy must want something. Maybe he was just doing this to make himself look holier than thou. Maybe he wanted to go to the press and say, “Look at me! Look at what a great guy I am.” Just because Danny was in prison didn’t mean that anyone was better than him. But Kevin Grant could be useful, the voice advised him. Meet with him. Maybe he’ll help you earn a “get out of jail early” card. Danny thought using some of the scripture he’d learned might do the trick. Always mix in some truth with a lie. He looked in the mirror. Never forget who you are, Danny, he said to himself, and never again let anyone take advantage of you.

His psychologist was pleased that Danny wanted to ask for forgiveness and helped him write his response:

Dear Mr. Grant,

I was very touched to receive your letter. Of course I would be happy to meet with you, but I don’t know that I am worthy of such forgiveness. I have studied the Bible, and have come to love Jesus, but I am nowhere near being a forgiving person. The truth is that I am bitter about being in jail and seeing my life slip away, unable to do the simple things in life because of my mistakes. I hope we can meet soon because I want to reach the point where I can be free of my anger, and I am sure that just seeing you and being forgiven by you would help tremendously.

I am very grateful for your offer.

Yours in Christ,

Danny Turner