Faith Under Pressure: Stories From the Persecuted ChurchНамуна

Jeovani - Don't hold grudges

Jeovani, a teenager from the Central African Republic, was caught up in an attack on his church by Islamic extremists. During the attack, a grenade landed at his feet, and Jeovani lost both his legs in the explosion. He now has artificial legs and needs sticks to help him walk. None of this has stopped Jeovani from forgiving his attacker. He says:

“He doesn’t even know what he did, but if I find him, I’ll greet him and say, ‘God forgives you. You do not even know what you have done, but God forgives you.”

Jesus says this in Matthew:

"You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." Matthew 5:43-44 (NIV)

Jesus presents us with a radical new way to deal with our enemies. He tells us not to seek revenge, hold grudges, or hate those who wrong us. Instead, he calls us to show love, even to those who hate, hurt, and persecute us. Often, forgiving someone who wrongs us is really difficult - we may want to see them punished or even want to hurt them.

Despite his young age, Jeovani’s faith in Jesus has shaped how he responds to pain and hurt. He's chosen to forgive unconditionally, even in the face of terrible persecution. He says this about forgiveness:

“God told us to forgive seventy times seven. You can forgive many times. If you forgive your enemy, you become God’s friend. That is why we want to forgive the people who hurt us.”

Questions:

1. Is there anyone in your life that you’re holding a grudge against? How can you follow in Jeovani’s footsteps and forgive them like Jesus teaches us to? Write down the name of a person you’d like to forgive, pray for the strength to forgive, and reach out to them this week.
2. Jeovani’s radical forgiveness even influenced his Pastor, Franco, to forgive the attackers. How can you be like Jeovani and set an example to those older than you in church?

Prayer:

Lord, help me to be more like Jesus, who offered the ultimate act of forgiveness at the cross. Help me to have the strength to listen to the words of Jesus and follow in the footsteps of Jeovani to forgive unconditionally. Even when it’s hard, help me choose love. In Jesus’ name, Amen.