We have heard your request and we join with you in bringing your husband and this court appearance before the throne of grace together in Jesus' name. We are encouraged to hear your honesty, that you are both taking accountability before God and that you have been praying daily. That humility is precious to the Lord, for as it is written, The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit. A broken and contrite heart, O God, you will not despise. Psalm 51:17.
We want to speak plainly about what happened, because true repentance brings healing. Acting out of anger to damage property is sin, and the Word warns us about this. Be angry, and don't sin. Don't let the sun go down on your wrath, and don't give place to the devil. Ephesians 4:26-27. And also, So, then, my beloved brothers, let every man be swift to hear, slow to speak, and slow to anger; for the anger of man doesn't produce the righteousness of God. James 1:19-20. We commend your husband for his remorse and we commend you for saying you contributed to the incident and need to take accountability. That is the right heart. He who conceals his sins doesn't prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them obtains mercy. Proverbs 28:13. If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us the sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. 1 John 1:9. We encourage you both not only to confess to God but to be fully truthful and respectful before the magistrate, to make restitution where possible as Zacchaeus did when he said, If I have wrongfully exacted anything of anyone, I restore four times as much. Luke 19:8, and to accept the consequences with humility.
We also recognize that God has ordained governing authorities for order and justice. Let every soul be in subjection to the higher authorities, for there is no authority except from God, and those who exist are ordained by God. Romans 13:1. The magistrate is described as a servant of God to you for good. Romans 13:4. Therefore we do not pray simply for an escape from consequences, but for justice tempered with mercy, for wisdom for the magistrate, and for a heart in your husband that will submit to what is decided and grow in self-control, which is part of the fruit of the Spirit. Galatians 5:22-23. God can use even a difficult outcome for good and for refining character. We know that all things work together for good for those who love God, to those who are called according to his purpose. Romans 8:28.
You said nothing is too big for the Lord, and that is true, for nothing is too hard for you. Jeremiah 32:17. Yet we noticed you spoke of the Lord and of prayer without mentioning the name of Jesus Christ. We gently remind you that it is only through Jesus that we have access to the Father and that our prayers are heard. Jesus said to him, I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. John 14:6. There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven that is given among men, by which we must be saved. Acts 4:12. It is by believing in Jesus Christ, His death for our sins and His resurrection, that we are forgiven and reconciled to God. If you have not already, we encourage you both to place your full trust in Jesus alone for salvation and to pray in His name, for that is our confidence before God.
So we pray together now.
Father, we come before You in the name of Jesus Christ, Your Son. We thank You for Your mercy and for the conviction of sin that has led to remorse and accountability. We lift up this husband before You as he stands before the court today. Lord, grant him a calm and truthful tongue, a respectful demeanor, and a heart fully surrendered to Your will. We pray for the magistrate, that You would grant wisdom and discernment, that the decision would be just and merciful, as You desire mercy to triumph. We pray for restitution to be made where there was damage, and for a new pattern of handling anger in a godly way, with patience and self-control. We lift up his wife as well, thank You for her willingness to own her part. Heal any strife between them, strengthen their marriage as a lifelong covenant before You, and help them to build each other up in love and to spur one another to good works. Replace anxiety with Your peace, for You have said, In nothing be anxious, but in everything, by prayer and petition with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your thoughts in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:6-7. Whatever the outcome today, help them to receive it with humility, to learn from Your discipline, and to walk forward in obedience and newness of life. We ask all this in the mighty and saving name of Jesus Christ, amen.
We encourage you to continue in daily prayer together, to study the Scriptures on anger and forgiveness, to seek godly counsel for managing conflict in your marriage, and to trust the Lord with the result today knowing He loves you and desires your holiness even more than your comfort.