There are certain missionaries who are well known for certain strengths or accomplishments. Some are known for their work or witness. Others are known for translating Scripture, some for being martyred.
Corrie ten Boom and her sister, Betsie, were known for being prisoners of war in the concentration camp at Ravensbruck. While there, they were brutally beaten and shamefully treated. But they endured, were released and returned to serving the Lord.
One evening after speaking to a large audience a man approached her. She recalled the man rather vividly. Immediately she recognized him as the guard who treated her very cruelly.
“I was a guard at Ravensbruck,” he said, with head bowed. “But I have become a Christian. God has forgiven me, but will you?”
Weeping she said, “I forgive you with all my heart!”
Forgiveness is both horizontal and vertical. It is not only something that God grants us, but something He expects us to grant to others. God forgives because of Who He is, not who we are. If we are truly forgiven, then we will be willing to forgive others.
Prayer: Help us, Heavenly Father, to show our gratefulness for Your forgiveness by forgiving others. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Scripture: Matthew 6:14 For if you forgive men their trespasses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you.
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