Together as One: A Lent DevotionalSample

Day 5: Together with our enemies

Sometimes when we read these verses, it can be hard to know who our ‘enemies’ are. But if you’re anything like me, I’m sure you can think of people you need to forgive and keep forgiving, sometimes daily!

Jesus’ revolutionary model for peace is to love and pray for our enemies and to forgive those who’ve wronged us. And for many communities around the world who face violent conflict daily, forgiveness is a powerful way to usher in the peace of Jesus.

Joy’s story

In 2011, communities in Anglos-Jos, Nigeria, were torn apart by religious conflict. Relationships between Christians and Muslims were severely damaged, and communities became deeply divided. Young people were exposed to crime and drug abuse, which made them vulnerable to being recruited for violence.

Thirty-two-year-old Joy Ibrahim, a Christian in the community, was heartbroken by the devastation around her, and longed to do something about it.

‘Many organisations have attempted to reunite us and restore the peace, but to no avail,’ she said.

The path to peace

So when Tearfund and our partner provided peacebuilding training in Joy’s community, she seized the opportunity.

Women and girls who had been excluded from decision-making in the community because of the conflict received coaching on how to achieve peace that lasts. Joy coordinated girls’ groups, educating them on how to address the challenges in their communities, like alcoholism and drug abuse.

Joy was also transformed. As a Christian, the religious conflict had made her fearful of working with other Muslim leaders. But the training empowered her to forgive them. She now works in partnership with Muslim women, teaching girls in their communities to handle conflict without violence. ‘I have learnt how to forgive, accept and tolerate,’ she said.

Joy has not only found a renewed purpose for herself, she is sharing that hope with her community – empowering others to transform their own lives. None of this would be possible without forgiveness.

So as you approach Easter, may you be inspired by the words of Jesus, and by Joy’s story, to forgive, love and pray for those around you. Because the gift of forgiveness isn’t one to keep to ourselves – but to keep passing on.

Reflect

• As you reflect on Joy’s story, thank God for his forgiveness through Jesus’ death on the cross, and for his peace that surpasses all understanding.
• How does knowing God’s forgiveness for yourself help you to forgive others?
• What would it look like for there to be more of God’s peace in your home, your family, your church, or your community? Is there anyone you need to forgive for there to be peace? Ask God to speak to you and help you.

Pray

Gracious God,

Thank you for the gift of forgiveness. Thank you that through Jesus, my sins are forgiven, and I am clothed in your righteousness.

I bring to mind now the people who I need to forgive. Please give me the grace and strength to forgive them, just as you forgave me.

May you continue to use the local church to build peace in communities like Joy’s around the world. Please use me to bring your perfect peace wherever I go.

In Jesus’ name, amen.