Forgiving Her Husband’s Murderer?

In an exclusive interview with the Early Show, Cindy Winters, the wife of the Illinois pastor slain in his own church just over a week ago, has stated her feelings toward the man who robbed her of her beloved husband, her daughter's father, and even that of her own pastor.

The now single mom told co-anchor Julie Chen that she harbored no hard feelings toward the man who brutally shot her husband and removed what would have been many more years of fruitful ministry together and a healthy and happy marriage. The spiritually mature Winters told Chen, “We are not angry at all, and we really firmly believe that he can find hope and forgiveness and peace through this, by coming to know Jesus. And we hope that that happens for him. I hope that he comes to understand that God loves him in spite of his sins and that he can have a personal relationship with Jesus Christ."

The vast majority just cannot fathom how someone in Cindy Winters shoes could even utter such words, much less really meaning them. But that is because the vast majority of the world is unfamiliar with the expectations and the spiritual power of Holy Spirit of God who resides in the new widow’s heart and life.

Cindy Winters knows that the Holy Spirit expects her to fully forgive, just as she has been fully forgiven:

“Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do.” (Colossians 3:12-13)

Cindy Winters fully expects the Holy Spirit to be her divine comforter, even in life’s hardest trials:

“And I will pray the Father, and He will give you another Helper, that He may abide with you forever — the Spirit of truth.” (John 14:16-17) “Peace I leave with you, My peace I give to you; not as the world gives do I give to you." (John 14:27)

Cindy Winters expects the Holy Spirit of God to deal with, and be the ultimate and final judge of, all sin:

“Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is written, "Vengeance is Mine, I will repay, says the Lord." (Romans 12:19)

Cindy Winters expects to turn something bad into an opportunity to do good through the Spirit’s power:

“Therefore "If your enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing you will heap coals of fire on his head. Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good" (Romans 12:20-21)

And Cindy Winters expects the Spirit’s salvation to be the only solution to sin and eternal judgement:

“For he who sows to his flesh will of the flesh reap corruption, but he who sows to the Spirit will of the Spirit reap everlasting life." (Galatians 6:8)

No, the world just cannot fathom a Cindy Winters - or any others like her. That is because she is on intimate terms with her Savior and Lord Jesus Christ. And she is fully guided, comforted, and empowered by His indwelling Spirit. Those apart from Christ can never expect what this godly woman knows and expects. And that is because they know nothing of the miraculous abilities described by the Apostle Paul in Galatians chapter 5.

“But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-
suffering, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, self-control. Against such there is no law.” (Galatians 5:22-23)

Do you personally know the Spirit of the living God? And if not, what do you expect when the next serious crisis suddenly invades your life?

Bill Breckenridge