We Forgive - Do We Really?

The subject that has been on a lot of our minds as well as being the topic of many conversations this past week has been the shooting incident at the school in Lancaster County. The main theme that seems to be coming out of this story is one of forgiveness.
Matthew 6:12 says, “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” I don’t think I have ever seen such an example of forgiveness as we have seen the Amish people extend throughout this incident. Actually, it can be easy to say that we forgive someone when they wrong us – but it can be something else altogether to live out that forgiveness. However, that is what we have seen from the Amish people this past week. How was this forgiveness extended? The initial demonstrations of forgiveness that we heard about was their words of forgiveness, meeting with Mr. Roberts’ family, and asking that a fund be set up for the Roberts children along with the one to help the Amish families. Now today comes the word that about half of the people at Mr. Roberts’ funeral were Amish people. What kind of a message did that send to the Roberts family? However, the news that left me shaking my head was the news that yesterday some members of the Amish community had stopped at the Roberts home to deliver food. Friends, we can talk about forgiveness all we want to, but when we start living it, that will be the proof that we really believe what we say we believe. One man said the other day, “The Amish walk the walk as much as they talk the talk.” What a reputation to have! While I don’t agree with the Amish on all of their beliefs, I think all of us could learn some lessons from them in this area of forgiveness.
Thanks For Dropping In!