Forgiving One Another

Forgiving One Another

Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.

Ephesians 4:31-32

I am often amazed by the number of times I have difficulty forgiving others. When people hurt me, letting go of that hurt is hard. I’m praying for God to cultivate my heart until every stray root of unforgiveness is gone.

My small unforgiveness seems foolish when I think of the forgiveness offered by the families at Nickel Mines in southern Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. In October 2006, the world was shocked and horrified when a lone gunman entered the Amish school, took young girls as hostages, and shot them—killing five and critically wounding five more before taking his own life.

The world was also amazed by the courage and forgiveness shown by the members of the Amish community. Within hours—not months or years—they visited the widow of the gunman, Charles Carl Roberts IV, and offered forgiveness and grace. This forgiveness wasn’t simply a rote response, merely an offering of polite words. The Amish followed up their words with deeds. They went so far as to give a portion of the donations sent to their own community from around the world to the widow and children of Charles Roberts.

Forgiveness can be words we mutter, or it can be actions we take. Yet as we stand in wonder at the forgiveness shown in response to this tragic event, we see that the ability to forgive wasn’t a onetime occurrence. The Amish were able to forgive because offering goodwill is a way of life. Their response followed what had already been lived out during the days, months, and years before—a pattern of grace-filled living displayed for generations.

Heavenly Father, even now I can see in my mind the face of someone I still need to forgive. I can’t do this in my own power, and I seek Your help and Your strength to do so. Lord, help me to make a way of life so that my Christian walk will display grace-filled living for all to see. Amen.