Roy's Stolen Coffee

When Roy returned from breakfast, he discovered someone had stolen his battery operated razor and a bag of coffee he had just bought from the canteen.* It didn't take much detective work to figure out who the culprit was, so Roy confronted him. He told him he wanted his razor back but he denied taking it. Roy looked at him hard. He knew he was lying and Roy was angry.

This wasn't the first time something of his had been stolen. In the past, however, Roy had turned it over to God and it always turned out for his good. But this time he wanted to give the wrongdoer what he deserved. He was going to pay for stealing from him.

Roy faced the situation. Would he choose his way or God's way? Grace--God's mercy and love--is something for nothing. Roy didn't deserve it, but God's love is so great that He sent His Son to pay the price for him. God forgave Roy and it didn't cost him anything.

Later that day he went back to the thief and told him, "I forgive you." 

He said, "I didn't take your coffee." Roy had not mentioned that his coffee was stolen. 

Roy just smiled and said, "I forgive you." With those words he realized his anger was gone and he had peace. He still wanted his razor and coffee back, but he knew God would replace it.

Git (the thief's nickname) went to the chapel the next Sunday, came forward and accepted Jesus as his Lord and Savior. He later told Roy that when he said, "I forgive you," he suddenly felt ashamed. "My life has been such a mess," he said. "I knew I needed Him to forgive me, and to change me.

Roy found himself thanking God for letting Git steal his razor and coffee. "Hey, Git," Roy said with a smile, "want a cup of coffee?"

"Something for nothing?" he said. 

"Yeah!" Roy said and they both laughed.

Thank You, Jesus, for the free gift of grace.

"Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person. The old life is gone; a new life has begun!" (2 Corinthians 5:17 NLT).

*Adapted from The War Cry, August 4, 2012.

 

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