The Power to Forgive Your Enemies

The Power to Forgive your enemies isn’t something that comes naturally to anyone, even a hero of the faith like Corrie Ten Boom. But, with God’s help, Corrie was able to not only forgive but to extend grace and mercy to those whose actions had devasted so many. With Jesus’ help, we can too. Let the message of forgiveness in this story from Corrie’s life (adapted from my book Prayers That Changed History) lead the way.

The Power to Forgive Your Enemies

Corrie Ten Boom loved God and His people. Along with her family, Corrie helped many Jews escape certain death at the hands of the Nazis during World War II—including six people hiding in their home when the family was arrested. Her father died ten days later, but Corrie and her sister Betsy were imprisoned at the Ravensbruck concentration camp. While there, Corrie provided comfort to those jailed with her. And after the war, she returned to the Netherlands and set up a rehabilitation center for concentration camp survivors. She even set up a shelter for the Dutch people who previously worked with the Germans, and it was a visible sign of loving her enemies.

For 40 years, Corrie traveled the world speaking in churches and conferences. She also went to secret Bible study groups in countries where Christians were persecuted for believing in Christ. After hearing Corrie’s story, many people have learned how to forgive and I have gone on to live more peaceful lives.

Corrie was able to do this because she knew that sometimes the hardest trial we face is forgiving our enemies.

The Power to Forgive Your Enemies

Corrie faced hardship in the war, but one of the hardest trials came two years after the war ended. In 1947, Corrie was teaching in Munich, Germany. Germany had just been defeated in World War II, and Corrie had come to the country to share the message of God‘s forgiveness.

Through the crowd, a man approached her. Even though he wore a brown overcoat and hat, she perfectly pictured the blue uniform and the cap with the skull and crossbones of the Nazi SS guard. She knew him. He’d been one of the guards at Ravensbruck.

Pain shot through Corrie‘s chest. Anger and fear filled her mind, and her whole body trembled at seeing him. He had been one of the cruelest guards. She had spoken to many, telling them of God‘s forgiveness, but now — looking at her enemy — she had only hatred for this man in her heart.

“You mentioned Ravensbruck in your talk,“ the man said. “I was a guard there, but since that time I became a Christian. I know that God has forgiven me for the cruel things I did there, but I would like to hear it from your lips as well. Fräulein… Will you forgive me?“ He extended his hand to her.

With his words, a thousand thoughts went through Corrie‘s mind. She remembered how her sister Betsy died in horrible conditions, how so many women had suffered in the camp. Corrie looked at the man’s hand and struggled to extend her hand to him.

This was one of the most difficult things she’d ever faced.

Yet Corrie knew she had to do it. She had to forgive. She thought of Matthew 6:15, “But if you do not forgive others their sins, your Father will not forgive your sins.“

Corrie knew that forgiveness wasn’t a feeling. She had to will herself to forgive.

“Jesus, help me!“ She prayed, silently. “I can lift my hand. I can do that much. You supply the feeling.”

Corrie extended her hand to the man before her, and as she did, a miracle happened. A current started in her shoulder, raced down her arm, and sprang into their joined hands. Warmth flooded her whole being.

Tears filled her eyes, “I forgive you, brother. With all my heart.“ God‘s love flowed through Corrie as it never had before, showing that forgiveness is possible even for those who created the greatest offenses against us. Through Corrie’s story, people from all over the world have come to understand the Holocaust better, yet they’ve also come to understand God‘s mercy better, too. And history was forever changed.

The Power to Forgive Your Enemies

The Bible speaks about forgiveness and about loving our enemies. There is no greater example of this than Jesus’ plea for forgiveness for his enemies on the cross:

And when they came to the place that has called the skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.“ And they cast lots to divide his garments… Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, “Father, into your hands, I commit my spirit!“ And having said that he breathed his last Luke 23:33-34, 46 (ESV)

Jesus is the reason we can be forgiven, and He is the reason we can forgive others. Forgiving others does not mean accepting what they’ve done. It’s not ignoring the hurt. Forgiving others is an extension of what God has done in our lives by forgiving us.

Prayer can help prepare us to forgive others. On the night before He was crucified, Jesus went to the mountain to pray. Prayer strengthens us for what we face and allows God to work through us when we’re willing to seek Him for strength.

Corrie’s family faced horrible pain and loss, yet they stood firm in their faith. They stayed strong because of prayer. For years her family had been praying for the Jewish people, and those prayers prepared them for what was to come. Prayer allowed Corrie’s family to be strong when they were needed to protect others. Prayer also helped Corrie to forgive and to push away the pain and anger and her heart.

The Power to Forgive Your Enemies

Corrie traveled the world, sharing the power of forgiveness. She wrote these words in one of her notebooks. Later these words were published in a book.

“Forgiveness is in the key that unlocks the door of resentment in the handcuffs of hatred. It is the power that breaks the chains of bitterness and the shackles of selfishness.”

Prayers That Changed History

Martin Luther. Sojourner Truth. Helen Keller. St. Patrick. We read their stories, and of other people like them, in history books and hear about the amazing things they did to change the world. But one part of the story is often left out: Each one of them wouldn’t have accomplished what they did without prayer.

In Prayers That Changed History, the stories of twenty-five notable people are presented along with how prayer changed their lives and changed history. Following each historical example is a biblical story that ties to that person’s life and actions, as well as ways you can use the power of prayer in your life as well. Because God isn’t done changing the world yet, and he would love to use you to make history.

Perfect for use as a homeschool, Sunday school, or youth Bible study curriculum.

Get your copy of Prayers that Changed History here: Prayers That Changed History.

May you be blessed as you pray, forgive, and seek God today, friends.

In Him,

Tricia