As They Forgive

Being in Africa has taught me many lessons over time, but Rwanda can be a model for the world in a specific way. To be in this land is to see forgiveness lived out day by day. To give some background, Rwanda experienced a tragic and devastating genocide in 1994. During this time, one tribe turned on another with the intent to eliminate a whole people group from the population. Millions of men, women, and children were murdered by people they knew- neighbors or even family and friends. The survivors of this genocide saw things that no one should ever have to witness. No family was unaffected. You may have heard things about Rwanda since then, but there is a side to this story that should never go untold. The book entitled "As We Forgive" by Catherine Larson, tells stories of individuals who endured the brutality of this genocide, and yet chose forgiveness as a way to move forward. In my relationships with the Rwandese, I have found that this choice is not uncommon. Every day they are choosing to forgive. They are choosing to let the perpetrators of these crimes serve their time and move on. They are choosing to live in community and rely on each other. They are choosing to take Jesus at His word and forgive when it seems impossible. I have no doubt that the Spirit of God has worked miraculously in the hearts and minds of the people of Rwanda. They are not without physical and emotional scars. They have heartbreaking stories to tell, but the stories do not end with tragedy. They will be the first to tell you that the Rwanda you see today is a direct result of the choice to forgive. They do not forget what happened. God has enabled them to move forward together, mourning their loss, celebrating their liberation, and standing united. I am humbled when I think of the petty things I have refused to forgive. If Jesus can forgive...if the Rwandese can forgive...then surely I can forgive. The rest of the world failed to step in when Rwanda needed us most. What we can do now is learn from their tragedy, a lesson in deep forgiveness.

Father, please continue to bless this land! Teach us through the example of your people in Rwanda what it means to live in the freedom of forgiveness. You have shown Your power here. Thank you for letting me witness it.