"Now is the time for you to heal..."

Read from New Paper and Today about the sentence passed by Justice Tay on the young man, aged 20, who smuggled his rifle out of camp and planned to murder.

The judge said his heart hurt for him...that's how I feel too. I can fully understand why such a harsh punishment had to meted out on him...the offence was grave. But at the same time, I am sure many sympathise with this young man who was immensely traumatised throughout the 20 years of his life. A broken family, abusive family members, loss of his close younger brother, breakup with his girlfriend...and probably a lot more.

Pain..it's the consequence of hurts, wounds and pain. He wanted to kill himself, just like many other youngsters who struggle with suicidal thoughts. This young man has never experienced love. And my prayer for him is, "Lord, please save this young man!". I hope that his time in jail would be life-changing, in a good way.

I like the adaptation of a biblical passage, To Everything There is a Season, which Justice Tay read before he passed the sentence,

"There was a time when you loved,
There came a time when you hated.
There was a time when you felt you wanted to kill,
Now is the time for you to heal.
There was a time you were broken down,
Now is the time to build yourself up.
There was a time when you were at war in your being,
Now is the time to restore peace within."

It's a meaningful encouragement from the bench to him, I believe. And I hope he will truly be healed.

All these remind me once again that many people are hurting deep inside...and they need God...who loves them with an unfailing, unconditional and everlasting love.