#iCONVICTION: The Catalyst is Forgiveness

You just never know where God’s grace can take you nor what the power of forgiveness can do in you and through you. Sarah and I just recently returned from Colorado Springs, Colo. where we were completely humbled to participate in a Family Talk radio show interview with renowned Christian psychologist, author, and family advocate, Dr. James Dobson.
Ever since I was a toddler and could register conversations in my little mind, I was exposed to the influence of Dr. Dobson through my parents. I knew his voice because my mother would listen to his radio program every single night while cleaning up after dinner. 
I knew his positions on the importance of a strong marriage as modeled by my parents. And I experienced his teachings on parenting because my mom devoured every single book he ever wrote on child rearing.
So needless to say, to be in his presence and have a conversation with him was surely surreal. I have often wondered to myself, and have often prayed in wonder to God,  how did I get here?
You see, nothing can explain my life except grace. Not luck. Not chance. Only the grace of God can bring one to a place of purpose, even in a bad situation like mine, and only forgiveness can bring a peace that is essential to propel one forward.
In all honesty, without the forgiveness and acceptance from my victim Hort Kap’s family, it would have been impossible for me to move forward let alone find purpose in the pain.
The road was paved through their undeserving support. You see, when they forgave me, they empowered me and unleashed a passion within me of gratitude and awe for Christ and His healing hand over my life. Think about it. There is really no other explanation as to how beauty can rise from ashes except the truth that life, forgiveness, and grace begins at the foot of the cross.
When Mr. Kap’s children forgave me for what I did, they showed me the heart of God. My story isn’t about me; it’s about how potent forgiveness can be.  The catalyst of where I am today and the platform God has entrusted to me can be found in the forgiveness of my yesterday.
If you can glean anything from my story, know this, if you need forgiveness, seek it upward first and know that God is faithful and just to give it. Then seek it forward and know that whether it is given by man or not, you did your part.
If you need to forgive today, look upward first for your strength and know that God’s love can help you do what your own nature cannot. Then pass the forgiveness forward, which will give way for healing to start.
To forgive does not mean to condone, but to forgive means to let go. “And be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you” (Ephesians 4:32).
Maher’s interview with Dr. James Dobson will air Aug. 29 and Aug. 30 on all Family Talk Radio stations, https://drjamesdobson.org/broadcasts/todays-broadcast.
Matthew Maher is a former professional athlete and author of the newly-released book “U MAY B THE ONLY BIBLE SOMEBODY READS: R U LEGIBLE?” His “Decisions Determine Destiny” assemblies are funded by State Farm and service youth in the tri-state area. He is also the director of Student Ministries at Coastal Christian Ocean City. He served four years and seven months in N.J. State prison and was released August 2014. You can learn more at www.themattmaherstory.com. Follow him on Twitter @mattmaherstory and on Instagram @matthewmaher7