October 6, 2006 8:52 PM
A lesson from the Amish
Who can begin to fathom the horror of losing a young innocent child in such a completely random, bizarre way as the Amish schoolhouse murders? In one interview, two women who were in a Moms in Touch Bible study with the wife of the murderer (how ironic!), said there was never a hint of trouble-to-come, that the murderer’s wife had portrayed him as a loving husband and father. Hence the word random.
God bless the Amish community for maintaining their integrity by not appearing for interviews. Bless the local officials who blockaded the roads and walled off the air space from the media circus that would like to have set up shop there.
The bottom line for me was a conversation I overheard in the grocery store on Thursday morning. One employee was telling another that the Amish community had expressed forgiveness to the murderer and reached out in sympathy to the family he left behind, inviting the wife and children to attend the memorial service for the slain girls.
St. Francis of Assisi told us. “Preach the gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” Those faithful families so quick to forgive – to understand that the ground at the foot of the Cross is level and we are all unworthy sinners – preached a gospel heard by millions without a moment of camera time.
Like the employees I overheard discussing it, I felt the impact of this lesson deeply. I spent the morning reconsidering some hurtful things I’d experienced in the past months, things that will probably remain unresolved because the people involved aren’t the apologizing kind.
Considering the Amish and the enormity of the wrong they endured and their ability to be true to their faith through forgiveness lifted me out of the impasse completely. I forgive those who hurt me not because they want it or need it, but because it’s part of being a Christian. When I understand how much I’ve been forgiven, I have no choice but to forgive. There is liberation in forgiveness – liberation for the one who forgives.
Christianity is really a religion of liberation. Jesus said, “If you hold to my teaching, you are truly my disciples. Then you will know the truth and the truth will set you free.” I suppose that means that if you don’t hold to Jesus’ teaching you will not know the truth and you will not be set free.
I don’t know about you, but I want to be set free. And God couldn’t have made it any plainer – like a big arrow pointing to the treasure. If I hold to Jesus’ teaching, I will know the truth and the truth will set me free.
If I forgive – whether or not someone asks my forgiveness – I will know the truth and the truth will set me free. If I put others before myself, I will know the truth and the truth will set me free. If I learn to love my enemy and pray for those who harm me I will know the truth and the truth will set me free.
Forgiveness is a test we will never stop being presented with. If my score is based on how much time it takes me to “get it” – that what’s at stake is so much more than the particular wrong, what’s at stake is my knowing the truth and the truth setting me free – then my prayer is just that next time I forgive as quickly and gracefully as those grieving parents in Lancaster. PA.
The Lord uses all things for good. May it be that this lesson in forgiveness illuminates a million hearts and brings them to forgiveness today.
Posted in Current Affairs, Inspiration | Permalink
Comments
Barbara~
Well said as usual. I am putting this post on my delicious bookmarks on my blog.
Posted by: Andrea | October 6, 2006 11:54 PM
Excellent job, thanks for posting.
Posted by: The Sanity Inspector | October 7, 2006 1:02 AM
Very nice and so timely. We can't hear this message too much. Our Lord is the supreme example of forgiveness, and if He can do it, surely by his power, so can we. Blessings!
Posted by: e-Mom | October 7, 2006 1:48 AM
"I forgive those who hurt me not because they want it or need it, but because it’s part of being a Christian."
Amen, and Amen.
In Christ alone,
Kari
Posted by: Kari | October 7, 2006 8:17 AM
Oh dear Barbara, You've said it so well. I'm linking this post on my blog.
Thank you.
Posted by: Angela | October 7, 2006 11:07 AM
