"...Who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness; by whose stripes you were healed." (1 Pet. 2:24)

History records that during the early days of the Civil War, a young Union soldier was arrested on charges of desertion. Unable to prove his innocence, he was condemned and sentenced to die a deserter's death. His appeal found its way to the desk of Abraham Lincoln. The president felt mercy for the soldier and signed a pardon. The young soldier returned to service, fought the entirety of the war, and was killed in the very last battle. Found within his breast pocket was the signed letter of the president. Close to the heart of the soldier were his leader's words of pardon. He found the courage to serve because of the one who had been good to him.

Let us find courage to live for righteousness because of the One who has provided pardon for us.