Deuteronomy 19:3
“You shall prepare the roads for yourself, and divide into three parts the territory of your land which the LORD your God will give you as a possession, so that any manslayer may flee there.”
Moses gives instructions for the people to build three Cities of Refuge. In the example given (verses 4-6), someone kills a person accidentally. There was no malice towards that one. Normally an avenger in the family would take revenge. However, Moses allows this one to flee to the City of Refuge and escape those consequences.
Accidents happen and mistakes are made. It is tragic for all involved. There is a family who lost one. The other family loses one, as he had to leave home. I suppose his family would move to the City of Refuge.
In life, we make mistakes. It’s nice to see the merciful system that God set up. While the consequences of our actions might not be forgiven from the courts, or others, it’s nice to know that we are given another chance by God.
We are to be forgiving. That doesn’t mean justice shouldn’t be served. That isn’t our concern. We are to forgive in our hearts.
Lord, thank You that You give second chances (and more). Help us to be forgiving as well.