Walking in Forgiveness With Corrie Ten BoomNäide

Walking in Humility

I have been speaking on forgiveness, but there was a time when I was unwilling to ask forgiveness for myself. I had been unkind to a woman, and I knew I was going to have to go to that gracious woman and apologize for being rude. I needed to confess my sin.

I called the front desk and found which room the woman was in. Then I went to her room. "I must ask your forgiveness," I said as she opened the door. "I spoke to you rudely."

She tried to return my unkindness with kindness, but that was not what I needed. I needed for her to admit that I was wrong and to forgive me. I know it is often more difficult to forgive than to ask forgiveness, but it is equally important. To withhold forgiveness often leaves another person in bondage, open to further attacks from the enemy. It is as important to forgive as it is to ask forgiveness.

This sensitive woman understood. Reaching out and tenderly touching my hand, she said, "I understand, Tante Corrie. I forgive you for being unkind to me."

That's what I needed to hear.

Corrie ten Boom, Tramp for the Lord p.184–185