The horrific massacre at Mother Emanuel AME Church in Charleston, South Carolina, on June 17, 2015, delivered a devastating blow to the nation, a stark reminder of the enduring stain of racial hatred. Yet, despite the profound grief, the families of the victims presented a powerful lesson on forgiveness, a lesson deeply rooted in their faith.
The Profound Power of Grace.
During Dylann Roof's (the convicted killer) bond hearing, the raw emotion of grief was contrasted with extraordinary displays of grace. Family members, facing the man who had murdered their loved ones, offered words of forgiveness. This act wasn't about condoning Roof's evil, but rather about releasing themselves from the corrosive grip of hatred. It illustrated the transformative power of forgiveness as a means of personal liberation.
Ephesians 4:32 NIV Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
It is crucial to acknowledge that forgiveness is a deeply personal journey. This implies that peace, and by extension, forgiveness, is a path that must be chosen individually. Not all responded with explicit forgiveness, and that too, is a valid expression of grief. Some focused on seeking justice, a necessary pursuit in the face of such heinous crime. This diversity of response highlights the complexity and individuality of the grieving and healing process.
Romans 12:17-18 NIV [17] Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. [18] If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
The Delicate Balance of Forgiveness and Justice.
Justice and forgiveness can coexist. Forgiveness does not absolve the perpetrator of their actions. The pursuit of justice through the legal system, culminating in Roof's trial and conviction, served as a vital affirmation that society must hold individuals accountable for hate crimes.
Romans 13:1-5 NIV [1] Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. [2] Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. [3] For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. [4] For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. [5] Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. (emphasis mine)
Faith and Resilience is a Foundation
The response to the 2015 massacre reflected the unwavering strength of the church community. The act of forgiveness, deeply rooted in their Christian faith, exemplified the power of spiritual resilience. The events at Mother Emanuel AME Church revealed the multifaceted nature of forgiveness. It is a powerful act of healing, a personal choice, and a testament to faith.
2 Corinthians 4:7-9 NIV [7] But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. [8] We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; [9] persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
So, how do we practically forgive? We can learn from the example of Mother Emanuel
1. Relinquish Your Right to Get Even
This is the cornerstone of forgiveness. Letting go of the desire for revenge is essential. Even when we feel justified in retaliating, we must trust God to handle justice. Relinquish our desire for revenge and instead place our trust in God's perfect justice.
Romans 12:19 NIV [19] Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
2. Respond to Evil with Good.
When we can pray for the welfare of those who have wronged us, we demonstrate authentic forgiveness. This is a radical act of love.
Luke 6:27-29 NIV [27] “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, [28] bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. [29] If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them.
3. Repeat These Steps as Long as Necessary.
Forgiveness isn't always a one-time event. Sometimes, it requires persistent effort and repeated choices.
Matthew 18:21-22 NIV [21] Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” [22] Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
4. Rescue Others with the Good News of God’s Forgiveness.
Once we have experienced the freedom that comes from forgiving others, we are called to share the transformative power of God's forgiveness.
2 Corinthians 5:17-20 NIV [17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! [18] All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: [19] that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. [20] We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.
I recently preached a sermon titled “Faith and Forgiveness”. Here is something that I shared about the difficulty of forgiving someone that had done grave harm and how that forgiveness took years and much prayer.
I am going to read a section of a book that I read several years ago, titled “The Christian Atheist:Believing in God but Living as if He Doesn't Exist”, which was written by Greg Groeschel who is the pastor of a megachurch in Oklahoma. In his book he writes about a time in his life when he didn’t want to forgive someone and how with God’s help he was able to forgive although it took many years.
The background here is that Greg’s sister had been molested for years by a close family friend and although he knew that God says we should forgive he just couldn't. Here’s the except from the book;
“My heart was stone hard. And only God could soften it to the point that I could even consider forgiving this molester. Miraculously, that’s what God did. To this day, I don’t know exactly how or when it happened. But it did. By God’s grace, I had forgiven Max for his sin and abuse. With God’s help I’d done the humanly impossible, and I felt as though a spiritual weight had been lifted. The Bible became clearer. God seemed nearer. My heart was purer.
One Christmas, when I was visiting my parents, I decided to write Max a letter expressing my forgiveness. The task wasn’t easy, but that’s often par for the course. In the letter, I explained how much God had forgiven me. I told Max the story of Jesus and his love for us. I explained that I had forgiven him and that God could as well. I included a short prayer he might pray, asking Jesus to heal his heart and forgive his sins.
I didn’t realize that Max’s sickness had advanced. He was losing the battle with muscular dystrophy. In fact, at the time he received the letter, Max was under the care of a hospice nurse, waiting for inevitable death.
Months after Max passed away, his nurse sent us a letter asking if she could talk to us. When we agreed, she told us about the last days of Max’s life, believing we needed to know. The caregiver explained that Max’s eyesight had deteriorated and that he had asked her to read him my note. Although she wasn’t aware of what he had done (and I never told her), it was obvious to her that he had done something grievously wrong. According to the nurse, he listened with tears streaming down his face. He asked her to pray the prayer with him. She recalled that his whole countenance changed as he asked Christ to forgive him and make him new. He died a few days later.
We Christians, can find in God the sheer strength to battle through the feelings of anger, hatred, and bitterness, and fight our way back to the cross. That’s where Christ forgave us. And that’s where, by faith, we can find the ability to forgive those who’ve wronged us.
Don't let another day pass in resentment if you're burdened by someone else's actions.
Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV [31] Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. [32] Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (emphasis mine)
Ask God to guide you through the process of forgiveness. By releasing the hurt, you can step into the life you were created to live – a life marked by freedom and grace.
Forgiveness is liberating. It releases us from the chains of resentment and allows us to move forward. It brings healing to our hearts and restores broken relationships.
Forgiving does not mean condoning wrongdoing. It does not mean forgetting toe pain that was inflicted. It means choosing to release the offender from the debt they owe us, just as God has released us from our debt of sin,
Colossians 3:12-14 NIV [12] Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. [13] Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. [14] And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
1 John 1:8-10 NIV [8] If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. [9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. [10] If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.
The Profound Power of Grace.
During Dylann Roof's (the convicted killer) bond hearing, the raw emotion of grief was contrasted with extraordinary displays of grace. Family members, facing the man who had murdered their loved ones, offered words of forgiveness. This act wasn't about condoning Roof's evil, but rather about releasing themselves from the corrosive grip of hatred. It illustrated the transformative power of forgiveness as a means of personal liberation.
Ephesians 4:32 NIV Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you.
It is crucial to acknowledge that forgiveness is a deeply personal journey. This implies that peace, and by extension, forgiveness, is a path that must be chosen individually. Not all responded with explicit forgiveness, and that too, is a valid expression of grief. Some focused on seeking justice, a necessary pursuit in the face of such heinous crime. This diversity of response highlights the complexity and individuality of the grieving and healing process.
Romans 12:17-18 NIV [17] Do not repay anyone evil for evil. Be careful to do what is right in the eyes of everyone. [18] If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.
The Delicate Balance of Forgiveness and Justice.
Justice and forgiveness can coexist. Forgiveness does not absolve the perpetrator of their actions. The pursuit of justice through the legal system, culminating in Roof's trial and conviction, served as a vital affirmation that society must hold individuals accountable for hate crimes.
Romans 13:1-5 NIV [1] Let everyone be subject to the governing authorities, for there is no authority except that which God has established. The authorities that exist have been established by God. [2] Consequently, whoever rebels against the authority is rebelling against what God has instituted, and those who do so will bring judgment on themselves. [3] For rulers hold no terror for those who do right, but for those who do wrong. Do you want to be free from fear of the one in authority? Then do what is right and you will be commended. [4] For the one in authority is God’s servant for your good. But if you do wrong, be afraid, for rulers do not bear the sword for no reason. They are God’s servants, agents of wrath to bring punishment on the wrongdoer. [5] Therefore, it is necessary to submit to the authorities, not only because of possible punishment but also as a matter of conscience. (emphasis mine)
Faith and Resilience is a Foundation
The response to the 2015 massacre reflected the unwavering strength of the church community. The act of forgiveness, deeply rooted in their Christian faith, exemplified the power of spiritual resilience. The events at Mother Emanuel AME Church revealed the multifaceted nature of forgiveness. It is a powerful act of healing, a personal choice, and a testament to faith.
2 Corinthians 4:7-9 NIV [7] But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. [8] We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; [9] persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed.
So, how do we practically forgive? We can learn from the example of Mother Emanuel
1. Relinquish Your Right to Get Even
This is the cornerstone of forgiveness. Letting go of the desire for revenge is essential. Even when we feel justified in retaliating, we must trust God to handle justice. Relinquish our desire for revenge and instead place our trust in God's perfect justice.
Romans 12:19 NIV [19] Do not take revenge, my dear friends, but leave room for God’s wrath, for it is written: “It is mine to avenge; I will repay,” says the Lord.
2. Respond to Evil with Good.
When we can pray for the welfare of those who have wronged us, we demonstrate authentic forgiveness. This is a radical act of love.
Luke 6:27-29 NIV [27] “But to you who are listening I say: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, [28] bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you. [29] If someone slaps you on one cheek, turn to them the other also. If someone takes your coat, do not withhold your shirt from them.
3. Repeat These Steps as Long as Necessary.
Forgiveness isn't always a one-time event. Sometimes, it requires persistent effort and repeated choices.
Matthew 18:21-22 NIV [21] Then Peter came to Jesus and asked, “Lord, how many times shall I forgive my brother or sister who sins against me? Up to seven times?” [22] Jesus answered, “I tell you, not seven times, but seventy-seven times.
4. Rescue Others with the Good News of God’s Forgiveness.
Once we have experienced the freedom that comes from forgiving others, we are called to share the transformative power of God's forgiveness.
2 Corinthians 5:17-20 NIV [17] Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, the new creation has come: The old has gone, the new is here! [18] All this is from God, who reconciled us to himself through Christ and gave us the ministry of reconciliation: [19] that God was reconciling the world to himself in Christ, not counting people’s sins against them. And he has committed to us the message of reconciliation. [20] We are therefore Christ’s ambassadors, as though God were making his appeal through us. We implore you on Christ’s behalf: Be reconciled to God.
I recently preached a sermon titled “Faith and Forgiveness”. Here is something that I shared about the difficulty of forgiving someone that had done grave harm and how that forgiveness took years and much prayer.
I am going to read a section of a book that I read several years ago, titled “The Christian Atheist:Believing in God but Living as if He Doesn't Exist”, which was written by Greg Groeschel who is the pastor of a megachurch in Oklahoma. In his book he writes about a time in his life when he didn’t want to forgive someone and how with God’s help he was able to forgive although it took many years.
The background here is that Greg’s sister had been molested for years by a close family friend and although he knew that God says we should forgive he just couldn't. Here’s the except from the book;
“My heart was stone hard. And only God could soften it to the point that I could even consider forgiving this molester. Miraculously, that’s what God did. To this day, I don’t know exactly how or when it happened. But it did. By God’s grace, I had forgiven Max for his sin and abuse. With God’s help I’d done the humanly impossible, and I felt as though a spiritual weight had been lifted. The Bible became clearer. God seemed nearer. My heart was purer.
One Christmas, when I was visiting my parents, I decided to write Max a letter expressing my forgiveness. The task wasn’t easy, but that’s often par for the course. In the letter, I explained how much God had forgiven me. I told Max the story of Jesus and his love for us. I explained that I had forgiven him and that God could as well. I included a short prayer he might pray, asking Jesus to heal his heart and forgive his sins.
I didn’t realize that Max’s sickness had advanced. He was losing the battle with muscular dystrophy. In fact, at the time he received the letter, Max was under the care of a hospice nurse, waiting for inevitable death.
Months after Max passed away, his nurse sent us a letter asking if she could talk to us. When we agreed, she told us about the last days of Max’s life, believing we needed to know. The caregiver explained that Max’s eyesight had deteriorated and that he had asked her to read him my note. Although she wasn’t aware of what he had done (and I never told her), it was obvious to her that he had done something grievously wrong. According to the nurse, he listened with tears streaming down his face. He asked her to pray the prayer with him. She recalled that his whole countenance changed as he asked Christ to forgive him and make him new. He died a few days later.
We Christians, can find in God the sheer strength to battle through the feelings of anger, hatred, and bitterness, and fight our way back to the cross. That’s where Christ forgave us. And that’s where, by faith, we can find the ability to forgive those who’ve wronged us.
Don't let another day pass in resentment if you're burdened by someone else's actions.
Ephesians 4:31-32 NIV [31] Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. [32] Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you. (emphasis mine)
Ask God to guide you through the process of forgiveness. By releasing the hurt, you can step into the life you were created to live – a life marked by freedom and grace.
Forgiveness is liberating. It releases us from the chains of resentment and allows us to move forward. It brings healing to our hearts and restores broken relationships.
Forgiving does not mean condoning wrongdoing. It does not mean forgetting toe pain that was inflicted. It means choosing to release the offender from the debt they owe us, just as God has released us from our debt of sin,
Colossians 3:12-14 NIV [12] Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. [13] Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. [14] And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity.
1 John 1:8-10 NIV [8] If we claim to be without sin, we deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us. [9] If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness. [10] If we claim we have not sinned, we make him out to be a liar and his word is not in us.
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