Mr. Barnes’ experience (2) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

Blessed is he whose transgression is forgiven, whose sin is covered.
Psalm 32:1.

Mr. Barnes' experience (2)
The English pilot Erwin Barnes had been rescued by German lifeboat men after his aircraft had been shot down. He returned to England but could not forget his rescuers. He constantly saw their hands outstretched to help. He thought over his hostile attitude. In the course of time his doubts gave way to the certainty that he had done them wrong.

He decided to apologise, although more than 60 years had passed since his rescue. He set out, travelled to Bremerhaven and found the lifeboat station in the port. There he confessed before men who were strangers to him: "I regarded you as my enemies. I should like to apologise. Only now can I honour what you did for me. I should like to thank you."

For 60 years his conscience pricked him, then he decided to confess, and he experienced reconciliation. How many are in a similar situation - guilty before parents, friends, their married partner or children. Yet, in contrast to Mr. Barnes they will not admit it. If they would only do so, they, too, could experience forgiveness and reconciliation with other people.

Mr. Barnes listened to his conscience and was relieved. How good it would be, if people would do likewise before God: frankly confessing: "We have sinned against you, we have rejected you, we didn't want you!" God would then forgive them their guilt and free them from it. They would then get to know the "way of peace" (Isaiah 59:8).

(concluded)

Today's reading: Exodus 35:1-19 · Luke 15:20-32