I'D FORGOTTEN THE SCARS

General John B. Gordon was a respected officer for the South during the Civil War.  After the war, he decided to run for the United States Senate from his state. However, one particular man who had served under him in the war, became angry over some political incident and was determined to see him defeated. Everyone knew this man would fight Gordon's bid to become a senator.

During the convention, the man angrily stomped down the aisle with his  anti-Gordon vote in hand. As he saw Gordon sitting on the platform, he noticed how his once handsome face was disfigured with the scars of battle -- marks of his willingness to suffer and bleed for a cause he believed in.

The angry old soldier stopped and looked at Gordon's battles scars. After a few moments, he sat down and clearly was stricken with remorse. Overcome with emotion, he exclaimed, "It's no use; I can't do it. Here's my vote for John  Gordon." Then, turning to the general, he said, "Forgive me, General. I had forgotten the scars."

As a result of this change of heart, the former General was elected Senator from Georgia in 1873, and in 1879 became the first ex-Confederate to preside over the United States Senate. He later served a term as Governor of Georgia.

What a difference it makes in our lives when we remember the scars!  With so many things to distract us, we don't often take time each day to reflect on what Jesus went through on the cross for us. But, when we are tempted to stray, it is a remembrance of Christ's sacrifice that has the power to draw us back to him.

As Holy Scripture reminds us, "He was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our  iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, and by His stripes we are healed." (Isaiah 53:5)