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Stuck on forgiveness?

We’re kicking off the year of Bible studies with a message from Grace Dube, who’s husband was stabbed to death in South Africa. She shares a message of forgiveness from Luke.

Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing. (Luke 23:34)

My son, Benjamin, was only 12 years old when he saw his brother and father murdered. He managed to escape and came running home to tell me what had happened.

Even though my husband had predicted that he would be killed, I could not believe it had happened.

Benjamin went to his room and wept all night. Then the Lord did something in the heart of my boy. His father had often told him, “Benjamin, you must take my place to sing for the Lord if anything happens to me.”

Early the next morning I heard singing coming from my son’s room. At first it was a broken voice, but then it became clearer and clearer. I could hear my boy singing to the Lord. He sang a verse from the scripture, “Father forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.”

I could hardly control myself. O Lord, make me like my son. Help me to forgive.

My son and I have sung this wonderful song together ever since in many meetings, in many countries, to many people who are hurt – and to many who need to forgive also.

Many orphaned children are learning the power of forgiveness as they study God’s Word.

Questions:

Why do you think it was important for Benjamin to forgive those who killed his father & brother?

Discuss what could have been the outcome if he hadn’t forgiven.

The journey of forgiveness is different for everyone. How do you forgive?

SHOCKWAVE

Hey don’t forget to register for SHOCKWAVE. Talk to your youth leader about getting involved in this world wide prayer event on Feb 29 – March