Joe and Claryce Holcombe lost nine family members during Sunday’s horrific mass shooting at First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, Texas, but, despite the unimaginable carnage, the couple are remaining firm and resolute in their Christian faith. The extent of the impact that the event had on the Holcombe family is both staggering and unfathomable, as the elderly couple lost their son,
Bryan Holcombe, and his wife, Karla, in addition to their grandson, Marc Daniel Holcombe, as well as his baby daughter — and their great-granddaughter — Noah. They also lost Crystal Holcombe, the wife of their grandson, John Holcombe, three of their great-grandchildren — Emily, Megan and Greg — and the unborn baby Crystal was carrying, who was reportedly due to be born in April; John Holcombe and two additional children survived. MORE
The main cause for withholding forgiveness from others who have wronged us is that we have not yet been overwhelmed by the enormity of God’s forgiveness towards us.
His forgiveness means life and without it we would be condemned to eternal death.
We are not forgiven BECAUSE we forgive but AS we forgive; The Lord’s prayer model, “….. Forgive us our debts AS we forgive our debtors”. Matthew 6:12 KJV
Forgiveness has a broader meaning than many suppose. It’s not only forgiveness FOR sin, but reclaiming FROM sin. It is the outflow of redeeming love that transforms the heart.
David had the true concept of forgiveness when he prayed, “Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a right Spirit within me.” Psalm 51:10.
The wonderful and amazing forgiveness that Joe and Claryce Holcombe have expressed amid this most horrific and numbing situation can only come from hearts surrendered to Christ.
Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Holcombe, for the example you have given. May God continue to bless you despite the unbelievable pain you are experiencing, and I have no doubt you are being upheld by His strength so much so that you can feel it as prayers are uplifted to God on your behalf.
“Trust and obey, for there’s no other way, to be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey”.
One day soon, Joe and Claryce’s mourning will be turned into joy unfathomable when Christ pierce’s the sky with His Coming and they are reunited with those whom they have recently lost.