What we can learn from the Amish Community

Only a very few people in the world can even begin to understand what the Amish community in Nickel Mines, Pa is going through. But, as I turned on the TV the next morning the news headline took me by surprised and filled me with hope. It is a simple word that carries profound meaning. It was a word that is not used as often as it should be in the social and political landscape of our day. The headline simply read “FORGIVENESS”.

The Amish community in Nickel Mines wants to let the world know, that they forgive the man responsible for the deaths of five young girls and for the heartache and pain that he caused their community. They have even embraced and invited the family of Charles Roberts to come and mourn with them and share in comforting one another. This community is a truly embodies what it means to “Love your enemies, and do good to those who do wrong to you” (Luke 6:27).

I believe that their willingness to forgive will have a far greater effect on society than what this tragedy has effected their community. I believe that God will hold up their community as an example for the world to see and learn from.

It is good to pray for their community for strength to get through this tragedy. But, it is not the Amish Community in Nickel Mines who needs our prayers - It is us who need their prayers.

Let’s all learn from there shining example.