In September 2018, an off-duty Dallas police officer named Amber Guyger arrived home and walked into her apartment. Inside, she found a strange man watching television and eating ice cream. In the ensuing confusion, Guyger drew her weapon and shot the intruder to death. Only then did Guyger realize that the apartment was, in fact, not hers. Instead, it was the home of Botham Jean—the man who now lay dead on the floor. At trial, Guyger was subsequently convicted of murder and sentenced to ten years in prison.

During the sentencing hearing, an event took place that has since gone viral. Botham Jean’s 18-year-old brother, Brandt, took the stand bringing a message of mercy and forgiveness. As I listened to his soft, often-stumbling worlds, I thought of the apostle Paul when he wrote, “When I came to you, I did not come with eloquence or human wisdom as I proclaimed to you the testimony about God. For I resolved to know nothing while I was with you except Jesus Christ and him crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:1-2, NIV). Out of this quiet young man came a message that cried out the gospel. Looking at the killer of his brother, he said in part, “I forgive you. And I know if you go to God and ask him, he will forgive you. . . . I think giving your life to Christ would be the best thing that Botham would want you to do. . . . I love you as a person, and I don’t wish anything bad on you.”[1]

At the end of his incredible statement, Jean upped the game. He asked the judge if he could give Guyger a hug. The judge agreed and in the middle of the courtroom the two embraced. What a humble act of love, mercy, and grace. He had every right and reason to attack, to demean, to destroy. Instead, he viewed this woman through the lens of the forgiveness he had been given by God. He knew what it was like to experience mercy, so he showed mercy. He knew what it was like to discover unexpected grace, so he gave unexpected grace. He knew what it was like to feel the joy of hope, so he sought to lead Guyger to the One who could give her hope. Brandt Jean lived out Christ in that courtroom, and as a result, the millions who have viewed this viral video have had a vision of the Savior.

The story doesn’t end there, though. Following the trial, presiding Judge Kemp approached Amber Guyger at the defense table. Kemp told Guyger that she needed to strive to forgive herself. During the ensuing conversation, Guyger stated that she didn’t have a Bible. The judge left the courtroom for her chambers, then came back carrying her personal Bible. She passed it over to Guyger, saying, “This is your job for the next month. You read right here: John 3:16.” The judge then told her how she could accept Christ into her life.[2]

Again, the story doesn’t end there. If it had, it would have been the best possible outcome from such a tragic event. However, that act of love and grace by the judge triggered the ire of the Freedom from Religion Foundation. They have filed a complaint with the Texas State Commission on Judicial Conduct claiming that Judge Kemp was abusing her public office.[3]

Let me encourage you to direct your prayers three ways. First, pray for Amber Guyger. Hope and forgiveness are waiting at her door—all she needs to do is open up. Because of the actions of Brandt Jean and Judge Kemp, she now knows how to do that. Second, pray for Judge Kemp. She was following the leading of the Holy Spirit—pray that she remains faithful regardless of any negative ramifications. Finally, pray for Brandt Jean and the rest of his family. Ask the Lord to bless them for their grace and demonstration of mercy, and to carry them through the loss of their brother and son.

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[1] Simon, Darran. “Botham Jean’s Brother Hugs the Former Police Officer Who Killed Him.” CNN, Cable News Network, 3 Oct. 2019, https://www.cnn.com/2019/10/02/us/botham-jean-brother-amber-guyger-hug/index.html.

[2] Harris, Allison, and Mark Norris. “Freedom From Religion Foundation Files Complaint against Judge after Giving Bible to Amber Guyger.” FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth, 4 Oct. 2019, https://www.fox4news.com/news/freedom-from-religion-foundation-files-complaint-against-judge-after-giving-bible-to-amber-guyger.

[3] Ibid.