She is Amber Guyger, a former policewoman who returned home one night to what she believed to be her apartment after a 13-hour shift with the Dallas (TX) Police Department.  The tragic problem was that it was not her apartment; it was the apartment one floor directly above hers.  Guyger entered the apartment thinking it was hers and saw a man inside.  Thinking he was a burglar, she shot and killed him.

The victim was Botham Jean, a 26-year-old accountant, who was in his living room watching football and eating ice cream.  That night was his last on earth; he died after being shot by Guyger.

Guyger was tried and found guilty of murder.  She was sentenced to 10 years in prison.

The victim’s brother, Brandt Jean, age 18, asked to give a victim impact statement.  His own family did not know what he was going to say and the impact that it would have on those in the courtroom and the world.  Here is part of what he said:

"If you truly are sorry — I know I can speak for myself — I forgive you.  And, I know if you go to God and ask Him, He will forgive you…  I’m speaking for myself, not even [on] behalf of my family, but I love you just like anyone else.  I’m not going to say that I hope you rot and die, just like my brother did, but I personally want the best for you.  And, I wasn’t ever going to say this in front of my family or anyone, but I don’t even want you to go to jail.  I want the best for you.  Because I know that’s what – that is exactly what Botham would want you to do.  And the best would be [to] give your life to Christ.  I’m not going to say anything else; I think giving your life to Christ would be the best thing that Botham would want you to do.  Again, I love you as a person, and I don’t wish anything bad on you.”

Then Brandt turned to the judge and said, “I don’t know if this is possible, but can I give her a hug, please?  Please?”

“Yes,” replied the Honorable Judge Tammy Kemp.

Then he got up from the stand and walked over to Guyger and they embraced in tears.

She killed his brother.  And how did he respond?  With a message of mercy and an emotional embrace. *

We killed the Son of God.  It was because of our sins that Jesus died on the cross (see Acts 2:36; 1 Corinthians 15:1-3).

And how did Jesus respond?  He willingly went to the cross (John 10:17-18) because that was the only way to pay for the sins of the world (1 John 2:2).  Through the cross, Jesus says, “I forgive you.”

Brandt said he was expressing what his brother Botham would say to his killer: “the best thing for you to do is to give your life to Christ.”  What wonderful mercy and grace to point the offender to the One Who can forgive and give eternal life.

Give YOUR life to the One who gave His life for you.  That is the best thing YOU can do.

-- David A. Sargent