The national media rarely picks up a news story from our neighborhood. It happened just over the mountain in Hall County, Georgia. This is one of those tragic events that forever changes lives.
Beloved high school teacher Jason Hughes died in a prank gone wrong. A few of his students went to his home to “roll” his yard with paper. It was to be friendly, harmless. As part of the game Hughes, excited about catching them in the act, tripped and fell into the path of a student’s vehicle. The students stopped to render aid, but Hughes’ injuries were too severe. The authorities arrested the students and charged them with multiple crimes. Hughes leaves a widow, two children, and a shocked and grieving community.
Within days of the tragedy, the Hughes family urged authorities to drop all charges against the students. They said Hughes loved his students and invested his life in them. “This is a terrible tragedy,” his widow said, “and our family is determined to prevent a separate tragedy from occurring, ruining the lives of these students.” The charges were dropped.
To hear about a startling act of altruism like this prompts a warm lift (dopamine hit) in the human brain. God created you that way. It contributes to your response to His ultimate act of love and mercy. Jesus’ death on the cross includes an offer for you to be held blameless before a holy God. Something deep inside moves when you realize that God “made you alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our transgressions, having canceled out the certificate of debt consisting of decrees against us…having nailed it to the cross” (Col. 2:13-14). This truth beckons you toward saving faith in Christ Jesus.
It is easier in our human condition to relate to envy – not wanting the good of others, or schadenfreude – rejoicing in the misfortune of others. God’s mercy and grace are for your good. Mercy is when you do not receive what you do deserve – “the wages of sin is death.” Grace is when you do receive what you do not deserve – “the free gift of God is eternal life” (Rom. 6:23). This affects you profoundly when you internalize the implications.
The Hughes family released this statement: “We are thankful for the outpouring of prayers and support as we grieve the loss of Jason. We ask that you continue to pray for our family and also for the students involved in the accident along with their families. Please join us in extending grace and mercy to them as Christ has done for us.” May the Hughes family and students find comfort in their loss, and cling to the amazing grace and boundless mercy of Christ.