READ
REFLECT
Corrie Ten Boom was in her fifties when she opened her home as a sanctuary for Jews in the Netherlands. A Christian, Corrie, believed that God created all people equal. Corrie and her family saved 800 Jews during the Holocaust. But this didn’t come at a great expense to her family.
In 1944, the Nazis arrested Corrie and eventually sent her to Ravensbrück Concentration Camp, a labor and death factory primarily designated for women. Corrie lost her sister, Betsie, in the camp. But before losing her, Betsie told Corrie, “There is no pit so deep that God’s love is not deeper still.”
After being released from the camp, Corrie dedicated her life to helping others, even Dutch who collaborated with the Nazis during World War II.
But she went further than that. While giving a talk in Germany, she was approached by a guard she recognized from Concentration Camp. She noted in her book that this guard had been particularly cruel. He asked Corrie if it was true that Jesus forgives as she had shared, and he wanted to hear it from her.
Corrie was more than torn. She felt a feeling of coldness overcome her. But then she said a prayer and explained the miracle that followed.
“And so woodenly, mechanically, I thrust my hand into the one stretched out to me. And as I did, an incredible thing took place. The current started in my shoulder, raced down my arm, sprang into our joined hands. And then this healing warmth seemed to flood my whole being, bringing tears to my eyes. I forgive you, brother!” I cried. “With all my heart!”
Forgiveness can be hard sometimes, especially when we feel severely wronged. But as illustrated by Corrie’s experience, God changes our hearts and fills us with love even when we don’t think we can do it.
RESPOND
1. Write about a time you forgave or someone forgave you and what you felt afterward.
2. Commit Colossians 3:13 to memory.
