5 Oct, 2006
Amish Say They 'Forgive' School Shooter
By CHARLES GIBSON
NICKEL MINES, Pa., Oct. 3, 2006 —
It didn't take long for us to learn that the Amish families most affected by this tragedy have responded in a way that might seem foreign to most of us: They talk about Monday's school shooting only in terms of forgiveness.
"We're just trying to support each other and trying to let it sink in," said 17-year-old Dorothy King.
Two of her cousins were shot, and one is in critical condition, but like so many in the Amish community, she forgives the gunman, Charles Carl Roberts.
"We think it's all in God's hand," King said. "If this wouldn't have happened, something still would have happened … because their time was up. God's hand was in control."
Midwife Rhita Rhoads was present for the births of two of the five girls who were killed and also speaks of forgiving the gunman.
"If you have Jesus in your heart and he has forgiven you … [how] can you not forgive other people?" Rhoads said.
"I'm sure it's going to be a struggle to go on without a loved one like that," said Elmer Fisher. His 7-year-old cousin, Naomi Fisher, was among those murdered. "But I think they trust in God that he's going to take care of them and everything's going to be fine."
When asked if Roberts' wife would still be welcome in the community, Fisher said he believed she would, adding she would be welcome even at the funerals for the dead girls.
Such are the minds of the forgiving. Passages from the New Testament are taken literally in this community, and the Amish believe they need to love their enemies, which may be beyond the ability of most people, especially so close in time to the murders.
photo & story courtesy abcnews.go.com, 10/4/06
Living what you believe
What does today's God's Story teach us about forgiveness?
Jesus makes it real plain, even though it seems far from simple. If we don't forgive others, God won't forgive us. Why?
Because when we don't forgive others, we are acting as if we don't need God's forgiveness just as much as those who have sinned against us. God forgives us because of His mercy and grace. His forgiveness is not the direct result of us forgiving someone else, but it is based on our willingness to come clean and repent of our own sin.
Have you noticed that it is much easier to ask God to forgive us than it is to forgive others?
We know that Jesus forgave those who crucified Him. We believe what He taught about forgiveness. Are we living it? Abiding in Christ will make us want to forgive like Jesus forgives.
The quotes from some of the Amish who lost loved ones in the school murders sound like they are striving to live what they believe:
God's hand was in control....If you have Jesus in your heart and he has forgiven you … [how] can you not forgive other people?
How can you connect today's God's Story to your life?
- Talk to God right now. Thank Him for His forgiveness for your sins through the death and resurrection of His Son, Jesus Christ. Confess the lack of forgiveness toward others in your own life. Ask His Spirit to empower you to stay so connected to Jesus every day that you will forgive others as Jesus does.
- Whenever you ask God to forgive you of some sin, ask Him to remind you if you have forgiven someone who has wronged you?
- Keep a written journal for two weeks and answer these three questions every day: (1) Was I willing to serve others like Jesus? (2) Am I willing to forgive those who wronged me today? (3) Am I trusting God because He is in control, no matter what?
How can you connect today's story, God's Story and your story to others?
- If someone needs your forgiveness, trust Jesus to give you the love you need to give it. If you need someone to forgive you, trust Jesus to give you the humility and courage you need to ask for it.
- Use this incredible story of the Amish being willing to forgive the murderer as a conversation starter with someone in your storysphere (circle of influence). It should help you learn the story of someone else and give you the opportunity to share part of your story.
- Encourage your family, your small group, or your youth group to pray for the Amish community in Pennsylvania. Use this time to also pray for the need for your family or group to be able to forgive as Jesus forgives.
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