An epigraph from the New Testament mentions a group of men who made a hole in a roof in order to transport a man who was paralyzed to Jesus.

Returning to Henry’s church, Albom is surprised to see Henry preaching to the congregation in a smaller, tentlike area to stay warm. Henry’s sermon centers on not judging people based on their pasts. Albom realizes that he is guilty of unfairly judging Henry based on his past.

A few months after his apparent stroke, the Reb’s doctors discover that it was not a stroke at all, but rather an erroneous dose of medicine that caused his symptoms. Once corrected, the Reb’s mental acuity returns, and Albom visits him. Though disappointed by his doctors, the Reb shows no interest in taking legal action against them. Instead, he wonders what he has left to give.

Albom and the Reb discuss human nature. The Reb expresses his belief that all people have good inside them, but they must choose accordingly.

One day, after putting off his requests several times, Albom agrees to hear Cass’s life story. Cass grew up a star athlete in a large family and began dealing drugs after a stint in the military.