PRAYING FOR THE ENEMY
FORGIVENESS
«But I say to you who hear: Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, and pray for those who spitefully use you» (Luke 6:27, 28).
Eric Lomax was a soldier in the British army, who fell into Japanese hands during the Second World War. He was sent to a prison camp and forced to work on the construction of the «Death Railway,» which was aptly name for the harsh weather conditions and the high death rate among the prisoners. During his imprisonment; with the aim of listening to war news, he managed to secretly build a radio receiver. But the crude device was discovered by the Japanese and Eric was accused of espionage. From that moment on, he was the subject of cruel tortures mixed with severe interrogations. The war ended and, miraculously, Eric escaped death. However, he was not able to free himself from the memories of his suffering, and his torturer, that made him experience terrible nightmares and panic attacks. One day, in a newspaper article, he recognized his former torturer, Takashi Nagase, who was asking for forgiveness for the abuses he had committed during the war. Contacting him, they planned a meeting on the bridge of the river Kwai, a part of the Death railway located in Thailand. Then, in 1993, his suffering was alleviated when he saw the trembling and crying old man who was deeply remorseful and ceaselessly asked for forgiveness.
Victims of abuse are not only the ones who suffer; sometimes, the perpetrator suffers too. Have you ever tried putting yourself in the place of someone who has caused a lot of harm? It’s quite possible that this person is tormented by their culpability. » ‘There is no peace for the wicked’, says the Lord» (Isa. 48:22 . It is true that many offenders become more evil; but there are others who, prodded by their conscience, seek and ask for forgiveness.
If you have been hurt by someone, God invites you to love and bless that person, to do good and to pray for him or her; something that is inconceivable for the human heart. But the Holy Spirit will work in the hearts of those who give in to its influence. But the Holy Spirit can work in the offended person’s heart to forgive, and in the offender’s heart to convince him or her tore ret the harm he or she has caused. (John 16:8) and to guide him toward repentance Rom. 2:4).
If someone has offended you, today, we propose that you pray for him or her. Imagine that he or she is deeply remorseful and that he or she lacks courage to ask you for forgiveness. Pray, love, and bless. Do not miss the opportunity to do him or her good.
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Taken from: Daily Devotions for Adults 2020
“A Cheerful Heart Is Good Medicine”
From: Julian Melgoza-Laura Fidanza
Colaboradores: Alejandra Zavala & Magda Sanz