Learning to Fotgive
Bible Reading: Matthew 5:43-48
Author: Mrs. Eileen Thrift (Florida, USA)
Author: Mrs. Eileen Thrift (Florida, USA)
Saturday 20 April 2024 © The Upper Room.
Many years ago when I was seven and my brother was three, I witnessed a group of adults bullying my mother because she was of Japanese heritage. Even though I was too young to understand why this happened, I was angry and felt hatred. I knew that if my dad had been
home, instead of serving in the military overseas, these people would not have dared to do what they did. I saw my mother cry many times while my dad was away. It was difficult for me to understand why we, as a family, all had to suffer.
It took some time for me to understand that as Christians, we are called to forgive those who hurt us or our loved ones. I think one of the hardest things God asks us to do is: “Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you,” as Jesus did on the cross. Though I have never forgotten, I have forgiven those people for the evil they did. For me, it is like a painful wound that has healed, but the scar remains as a constant reminder of what happened. The words of Jesus and his example have taught me a great deal about forgiveness.
Prayer: Dear Father, thank you for forgiving our sins as we forgive those who sin against us. Amen.
