Forgive and Live Free


One of the most compelling stories of forgiveness involving a stepfather is that of Victor Marx, as shared in the article "Forgive and Live Free" on CBN.

Victor Marx's Story


Victor Marx endured a childhood marked by severe abuse, including physical, mental, and sexual torture, at the hands of his stepfather. This traumatic experience left deep scars and a profound sense of hopelessness.

The Journey to Forgiveness


When Victor was 20 years old, he received a letter from his biological father, who had been absent from his life. This letter led Victor to church, where he encountered God's love for the first time. He surrendered his life to Christ and began a journey of healing and forgiveness.

However, despite his newfound faith and the forgiveness he extended to his biological father, Victor struggled for 20 years to forgive his abusive stepfather. The anger and unforgiveness towards his stepfather remained a significant burden.

The Turning Point


One day, Victor felt a strong prompting from God to find his stepfather and show him God's love. After weeks of searching, Victor located his stepfather, who was living in a trailer and suffering from cancer with only weeks to live.

The Act of Forgiveness


Despite the initial reluctance and feeling that his stepfather did not deserve forgiveness, Victor chose to forgive. He recalls the moment when he realized the depth of God's forgiveness towards him:"I remember thinking, ‘He doesn't deserve my forgiveness.’ I really heard the gentle voice of God through his spirit say, ‘Neither do you, but I forgave you.’ And that's when I realized, okay, I can't hold this anger against him."Victor began visiting his stepfather in the hospital, reading scripture to him, and showing him God's love. 

This act of forgiveness was not just about his stepfather but also about freeing himself from the burdens of his past.


The Healing and Reconciliation


One morning, during one of his visits, Victor's stepfather acknowledged him in a way he never had before:"He goes, ‘Nurse, this is my son. I'm proud of him.’ And then I was stunned. I never heard that. 

SHU

He said, ‘He's been worried about my eternity, but he doesn't have to worry anymore.’ He said, ‘I made it right with God last night.’ I said, ‘Dad, I love you.’ And he looked right back at me and he said, ‘Boy, I love you, too.’”These words of love and acceptance from his stepfather brought a profound healing to Victor's soul. 


His stepfather passed away shortly after, but the forgiveness and reconciliation they achieved in those final moments had a lasting impact on Victor's life.


The Outcome


Victor's story is a powerful testament to the transformative power of forgiveness. By choosing to forgive his abusive stepfather, Victor was able to break free from the burdens of his traumatic past and find peace. 

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He now shares his story to inspire others to experience the joy and freedom that forgiveness brings


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