Forgiveness Belongs to God

To the Lord our God belong mercies and forgiveness though we have rebelled against Him. (Daniel 9:9 KJV)

Corrie Ten Boom is my personal hero. During the German occupation of Holland, the Ten Booms opened their home to Jews hiding from the Nazis. When this act was discovered, the entire family was arrested and sent to concentration camps. Corrie was the only person in her family to survive the experience. She lived until 1983 traveling the world sharing how God’s wonders and miracles had unfolded for her in the face of unimaginable evil.

Many stories of courage and faith in God surround Corrie Ten Boom’s life. In this Easter season, her account of God’s forgiveness comes most clearly to my mind.

Years after the war, Corrie met a member of Hitler’s S. S. forces. He had been a guard in the Ravensbrook camp where her sister, Betsie was killed. The man had apparently found the saving grace of Jesus, and wanted to shake Corrie’s hand after she had spoken to a church group.

At first, Corrie was overcome with angry thoughts. But, she asked the Lord to help her to forgive him. A supernatural love for the man overcame her. She was able to shake the hand of the guard who had a part in so many innocent deaths because she knew that God had forgiven him.

Prayer: Father, this Easter we thank You for the forgiveness You provided to us through the death and resurrection of Your Son Jesus. Help us to bring your forgiveness into the world around us.

© Christy Struben 2009