Video: Forgiveness

Jeovani is from Central African Republic. A few years ago he was in church when a grenade landed at his feet. The grenade exploded. People died, Jeovani survived, but lost both of his legs. But, now, he’s chosen to forgive his attackers, and in doing so his example is changing his community.

Bible:

Read Ephesians 4: 31-32
‘Get rid of all bitterness, rage and anger, brawling and slander, along with every form of malice. Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other just as in Christ God forgave you.’

Think:

• If you were in Jeovani’s situation, which part of the passage would you find hardest to live out?
• How did Jeovani’s forgiveness affect his pastor?
• How does it make you feel knowing that despite suffering so much, Jeovani has chosen to forgive the people who did this to him?
• Is there anyone you feel prompted to forgive?
• Jeovani’s actions had a big impact on those around him. Could you influence others by forgiving those who have hurt you?

Jeovani’s story is incredibly powerful. Despite losing his legs, he’s forgiven his attackers and is moving on, not letting hate or fear guide his future. In following Jesus’ command to forgive, he has helped change his community too. The challenge from Jeovani’s story is to realise that in living like Jesus, and in forgiving those who hurt us, we can change things. People don’t have to retaliate and escalate anger or violence. There is another way. Can we embrace that?