Man Learns Extreme Forgiveness
Yesterday, one of our contacts shared with us the story of a man we’ll call “Manuel”. Although this story is marked with tragedy, it also shows the beautiful power of God’s redemptive love.
Manuel lost his mother when he was only 12 years old. Shortly after this, his father became an alcoholic. Manuel learned to cope with these tragedies by accompanying his father to bars. At the age of 17, Manuel joined his uncle’s cocaine business. He was very successful in the drug industry, and he soon gained a small fortune. However, his drug addiction and criminal lifestyle soon spiraled out of control, and Manuel went to jail at the age of 27.
Manuel planned to kill his guards and break out of jail, but the day before his plan could be implemented he was transferred to one of the worst prisons in the world. He was placed in one of the toughest cell blocks in the prison, and Manuel feared for his life. While he was in prison, Manuel met a group of Christians that the inmates referred to as the “hallelujahs.” These Christians told Manuel that Jesus loved him and forgave his past sins, and he became a Christian. While in prison, Manuel experienced persecution for his new faith, but he recognized this as a chance to grow in the Lord.
Shortly after this, Manuel was released from prison. He moved his family to a village that was volatile towards Christianity in order to start a church. One day, an assassin killed his brother. Instead of seeking revenge, Manuel forgave this man and led him to Christ. They became best friends.
At a rally for peace, Manuel’s best friend was shot and killed. The death was highly publicized, and Manuel was asked to speak at the funeral. Manuel told the large crowd how the man who was his best friend had also been his brother’s murder. Manuel preached about forgiveness and reminded the crowd that killing can only be stopped when these atrocious acts are forgiven.
What a powerful story! Manuel learned the concept of forgiveness from Christ, who loved and accepted him despite his past transgressions. Because Manuel truly understood what Jesus did for him, he was able to show unconditional love to those who hurt him the most in life. As I examine my own life in light of this testimony, I am ashamed to see how short I fall of Christ’s forgiveness. When somebody else is inconsiderate of me, my first instinct is not to show them love, acceptance and forgiveness. Instead, I think of myself.
Manuel’s story is a great reminder of what Christianity should look like. If we are truly reflecting Christ, we will not be persons who need to be avenged or affirmed. Instead, we will sincerely forgive our worst enemies and show them the unconditional love that Jesus shows to each of us.