Hope and a sense of worth
I have loved you with an everlasting love; Therefore with lovingkindness I have drawn you. (Jeremiah 31:3 NKJV)
Of The many stories Victor Hugo weaves in Les Misérables, my favorite one is about the ex-convict Jean Valjean and a small-town bishop. After being turned down by pretty much everyone in the area when asking for a place to stay, Jean shows up at the bishop’s house. The bishop takes pity on him and invites him in for supper.
As they eat, Jean takes note of the silver forks, spoons, and ladle. and the two ornate candlesticks in the house. The bishop walks Jean to his room and bids him goodnight. In the wee hours of the morning, Jean wakes up creeps past the bishop’s room and sees him sleeping peacefully. He stuffs all the silver in his bag, runs through the garden and out into the night.
The next morning, the housekeeper tells the bishop that all their silver is gone! Then there’s a knock on the door and some policemen come in, escorting Jean Valjean. The bishop smiles and says, “Ah, Jean, I’m glad to see you! I also gave you the candlesticks. Why didn’t you take them as well?” The policemen leave.
The bishop gives Jean the candlesticks and tells him to go in peace. But first, he urges Jean to become an honest man. Jean Valjean became known for his kindness and generosity, and he saved many lives due to his bravery and honesty. The compassion of the bishop was the turning point for Jean; it gave him hope and a sense of worth. [1]
Though we are imperfect, He loves us perfectly ... He loves every one of us, even those who are flawed, rejected, awkward, sorrowful, or broken - Dieter F. Uchtdorf
[1] Activated The Bishop’s Candlesticks
