It is told that, a few centuries ago, in the time of slavery, a moving and remarkable event occurred, which serves as an example for us Christians:
A 16-year-old boy was sold into slavery, and like every good worker he developed his work with courage and dedication. With this, he was gaining the trust of his master, who soon realized that this young man was different, because in fact, he was a young Christian.
After a few months, the master had to take a business trip; but before traveling, he needed to leave someone responsible for taking care of the business, that is, the buying and selling of slaves. And he found no other person who had the character and trust and responsibility that this young man had.
Then calling him, he said: I see that you are capable of managing the business while I return; be careful not to buy old, sick and weak slaves who are not in conditions to work. The master went on his trip and the boy managed perfectly as he was instructed.
After a few days the master returns, and to his surprise, he comes across an unexpected scene; the young man had bought an old man, sick, weak; and moreover, he was in a special bed being well cared for by the boy.
The master, not understanding what was happening, asks: is this man your father, your uncle or some relative of yours? No sir, the boy answers. Then why did you disobey my orders and buy this man in this situation? Then the boy answered: ”It is that when I was small I witnessed this man stab and kill my mother in front of me. But since I am a Christian, I have a Bible that says “Therefore, if your enemy is hungry, give him food to eat; if he is thirsty, give him drink; because, doing this, you will heap burning coals on his head”.
Do not let yourself be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.( RM 12:20,21); and that is what I am doing with him.”
Here we see an example of forgiveness. Many people would not forgive, as this boy did. It is not easy, often, to forgive, and the greater the intimacy we have with the one who sins against us, the more difficult it is to forgive him.
The Scriptures teach us, however, that the unwillingness to forgive others removes divine forgiveness from us. Jesus taught: "For if you forgive men their offenses, your heavenly Father will also forgive you; but if you do not forgive men their offenses, neither will your Father forgive you your offenses" (Mateus 6:14-15).
Since all individuals responsible before God need forgiveness, it is therefore indispensable that we understand and practice forgiveness. Meditate on these words and pray thus: “Lord, see if there is any evil way in me, and guide me by the eternal way”.
Reflection sent by sister Vone from the city of Araraqurara-SP.