One sad fact of life in Chicago is that almost every day there is a family on the news who are mourning their child/spouse/parent/relative who has been killed by violence. “We want justice for our loved one,” is a common request. A very understandable request. However, remember back almost ten years ago when a gun man came into Emanuel AME Church in Charleston and killed nine people at a Bible study? Certainly justice was called for in such a horrible crime but instead the people of Emanuel extended forgiveness. In doing so they were exhibiting one of the prime characteristics of followers of Jesus. Having a willingness to forgive is a central trait for a Christian. Why? Perhaps because Jesus knew how difficult it was to forgive when we have been hurt. Our extending forgiveness serves to remind us of our need for forgiveness. Think of the Lord’s prayer! Since it is so hard, today pick some small thing that you need to forgive so you can get in the practice of doing so.
MARCH52024
By Church Staff
