John Adams and Thomas Jefferson, once close friends and pivotal figures in the American Revolution, became bitter enemies over political differences and infected, unhealed personal grievances. Their estrangement troubled those around them who couldn’t fathom their rift.
In 1809, a mutual friend, Benjamin Rush, dreamed that he witnessed Adams and Jefferson renewing their friendship. He wrote both and encouraged them to reconcile, and they hesitantly exchanged short, sincere letters in which they acknowledged mistakes and committed to resume corresponding.
Their exchange continued with letters that reflected on their shared history, the death of loved ones, and their roles in the Revolution. Their renewed friendship was marked by a deep mutual respect and lasted until their deaths. Adams and Jefferson died on the same day, July 4, 1826, exactly 50 years after they signed the Declaration of Independence, with a relationship healed and whole.
Galatians 5:1 teaches, “It is for freedom that Christ has set us free.” As a church, we gather as witnesses witness to the freedom found in forgiveness. As Christians we are called to seek and offer forgiveness. As Independence Day comes to the nation, examine your hearts, mend broken relationships and exercise the freedom Christ offers by grace through the Holy Spirit. This is how we will strengthen the bonds in our hurting families, our discouraged churches, and our broken world.
Grace and Peace,