Learning to Fotgive

Bible Reading: Matthew 5:43-48
Author: Mrs. Eileen Thrift (Florida, USA)
Friday 29 March 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.
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I am so thrilled and excited about the BSL version of Deaf Missions Daily Devotions. I have their booklet and been using them for nearly a year. I have good command of English but still struggle with the concept of the context at times. What a difference it has made just watching someone signing the passage so clearly and of superior quality! I notice the USA are far more advanced with access to the Gospel in ASL but now you have made it possible for us. So many thanks for this! May it go from strength to strength. JJ