Nearly everyone has been hurt by the actions or words of another but it is wise to remember that forgiveness can heal individuals, marriages, families and entire communities. Forgiveness is a decision to release thoughts of resentment and revenge. My wife’s sister’s husband, Bishop Haik Hovsepian, was a strong Christian leader in a Muslim country. He was known as the “Billy Graham of the Middle East”. Though a devoted Armenian Pastor, he continued to visit Mehdi Dibai, a Baptist pastor who had been incarcerated in prison and systematically tortured for many years because of his vocal and unwavering faith in Christ.
His Hands
The frail hands of a Man most meek
The nails and spear His body did seek.
Water and blood flowed out like wine,
“Father forgive them,” said the One Divine.
A worm am I, you showed mercy on me
Spared by grace, can I ever thank thee?
You looked past my faults on Calvary’s hill,
The Christ who died there — He triumphs still.Though his life was threatened many times, Haik continued to visit and bring food and hope to the imprisoned pastor. In January 1994, the fanatical Islamic terrorists made good on their threats and Bishop Haik was abducted and murdered. He left behind three sons, a daughter and a wife, each of them with a major decision to make. Would they forgive those that murdered their father and husband or harbor resentment and bitterness? They chose to forgive. The Hovsepians have gone on to become involved in a full-time ministry and have produced films reaching out to the Muslim communities with the love of Christ.
Forgiveness is mercy in action. Forgiveness is the height of love (Matthew 5:44-45).
The cross is all about forgiveness. The cross stands eternal as a sign of suffering and victory and of sacrifice and salvation. Speaking to the Corinthians, the Apostle Paul declared that we should be thankful unto our God who always causes us to triumph in Christ. Because he was victorious, we too share that victory. Be brave child of God. Your sins are forgiven; go and do likewise – walk in the love and victory meant for you.
“…In accordance with your great love, forgive the sin of these people, just as you have pardoned them from the time they left Egypt until now.” The LORD replied, “I have forgiven them, as you asked. Nevertheless, as surely as I live and as surely as the glory of the LORD fills the whole earth” (Numbers 14:19-21)
Hope in God is the salve that wipes away the tears of hurt and remorse and brings
refreshing times to all who trust in the Lord.
MEET THE AUTHOR
ALAN BULLOCK
Alan has pioneered several churches and has also been blessed to travel the world preaching and teaching in churches and conferences as a missionary evangelist for over thirty two years.
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