For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your ancestors, but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. 1 Peter 1:18-19, NIV
One year, I had a particularly challenging student with special needs. From the moment I met him, I poured my heart into loving him well. He was precious to me, and he knew it.
Then one day, I had to send his parents an email about an incident that had happened in the classroom. The mother responded with grace. But the father did not. His words were harsh, accusatory, and deeply wounding. He even threatened to sue the school.
Reading his comments broke me. Anxiety and depression washed over me. I kept thinking, How could he not see how much I love his child? How could he believe I was against him when all I wanted was to help?
As the year continued, the mother refused to let the father come to the school or have any contact with me, which only added to the heaviness I carried. His words stayed with me far longer than I wished they would.
Then came the kindergarten “graduation.” The father watched the ceremony through his wife’s phone. Afterward, he sent me a message—one I never expected. He apologized for his hurtful words. He told me I had been a big part of his child’s happiness and acknowledged, with surprising honesty, that his child “can be challenging,” and that I had handled everything “like a champ.” He said he saw the video of me holding his child’s hand on stage, heard the way I spoke about my class, and realized he had been wrong.
I set my phone down, cried, and thanked God. In that moment, I felt seen, understood, and restored by someone who had once deeply hurt me.
That experience reminded me of an even greater redemption—ours in Christ. Through His precious blood, Jesus redeems us completely. He fights battles we cannot see. He frees us from sin and spiritual death. He restores and forgives us long before we deserve it.
And because He has forgiven us, we are called to forgive others, including those who have wounded us with their words or actions. Jesus made a way for us to walk in grace, freedom, and new life. What comfort there is in knowing that He has done the hardest part for us.
Dear Lord, I thank You for dying for us. Thank You for the cross. Thank You for redeeming me and giving me new life through You. Thank You for forgiving me and taking this journey with me and for me. Thank You for the love you gave me. Help me share Your love with those around me. Amen.
Copyright Eva Rogers.
Eva Rogers is a Christian Educators member and a kindergarten teacher in Tennessee.
