Today’s meditation begins with a heartbreaking story.
It is the story of a man on death row, awaiting execution. As his final request, he asked for a pencil and a sheet of paper.
After writing for a while, he called the prison guard and asked that the letter be delivered to his biological mother.
Here is what the letter said:
« Mom, if there were more justice in this world, we would both be executed—not just me.
You are just as guilty as I am for the life I’ve lived.
Remember when I stole a bike from a boy like me and brought it home?
You helped me hide it so Dad wouldn’t find out.
Remember when I took money from the neighbor’s wallet?
You went with me to spend it at the mall.
Remember when you argued with Dad and he left?
He just wanted to correct me for stealing, but I didn’t listen, and I ended up being expelled from school.
Mom, I was just a child who needed correction, not approval.
Yet I forgive you.
I only ask that you share this letter with as many parents as possible, so they understand that what shapes a child into a good or bad man… is education.
Thank you for giving me life—and for helping me lose it.
Sincerely, your delinquent son. »
This letter, as harsh as it is emotional, challenges us deeply.
True love does not mean ignoring wrongdoing—it means guiding, correcting, and warning.
The Bible clearly says that:
« Whoever spares the rod hates their children, but the one who loves their children is careful to discipline them. »(Proverbs 13:24)
And again:
« When I say to a wicked person, ‘You will surely die,’ and you do not warn them or speak out to dissuade them from their evil ways in order to save their life, that wicked person will die for their sin, and I will hold you accountable for their blood. »(Ezekiel 3:18)
We sin not only by our actions but also through our silence. Failing to warn, to correct, or to intervene is to become complicit in someone else’s fall. This applies to our children, our loved ones, and our brothers and sisters in faith.
Today, let us examine our hearts: have we neglected our responsibility to educate, to warn, to love with truth?
Apostle Dr Jean-Claude SINDAYIGAYA