Sermon Central
-
Amish Grace And Forgiveness
Contributed by Michael Mccartney on Mar 9, 2012 (message contributor)
AMISH GRACE AND FORGIVENESS
Following the tragic Amish school shooting of 10 young schoolgirls in a one-room Amish school in October 2006, reporters from throughout the world invaded Lancaster County, PA to cover the story. However, in the hours and days following the shooting a different, an unexpected story developed.
In the midst of their grief over this shocking loss, the Amish community didn't cast blame, they didn't point fingers, they didn't hold a press conference with attorneys at their sides. Instead, they reached out with grace and compassion toward the killer's family.
The afternoon of the shooting an Amish grandfather of one of the girls who was killed expressed forgiveness toward the killer, Charles Roberts. That same day Amish neighbors visited the Roberts family to comfort them in their sorrow and pain.
Later that week the Roberts family was invited to the funeral of one of the Amish girls who had been killed. And Amish mourners outnumbered the non-Amish at Charles Roberts' funeral.
It's ironic that the killer was tormented for nine years by the pre-mature death of his young daughter. He never forgave God for her death. Yet, after he cold-bloodedly shot 10 innocent Amish school girls, the Amish almost immediately forgave him and showed compassion toward his family.
In a world at war and in a society that often points fingers and blames others, this reaction was unheard of. Many reporters and interested followers of the story asked, "How could they forgive such a terrible, unprovoked act of violence against innocent lives?"
The Amish culture closely follows the teachings of Jesus, who taught his followers to forgive one another, to place the needs of others before themselves, and to rest in the knowledge that God is still in control and can bring good out of any situation. Love and compassion toward others is to be life's theme. Vengeance and revenge is to be left to God.
Read through some of the passages regarding Biblical forgiveness and love toward others and you'll better understand how the Amish were able to forgive.
All of Lancaster County mourns the loss of these young girls and the terrible affect this has had on so many lives. We request your prayers for the families of the children who died, as well as those children and adults who have lived through this terrible ordeal. We also ask your prayers for the wife and three young children of the man who committed this senseless act. They, too, will have to live with this for the rest of their lives.
For the follow-up to the story of this tragic shooting, see the aftermath of this tragedy. (Article from: http://www.800padutch.com/amishforgiveness.shtml)
Related Sermon Illustrations
-
The Command Came, "On Your Mark, Get Set," And ... PRO
Contributed by Tim Richards on Dec 1, 2004
The command came, "On your mark, get set," and then the pistol cracked and the race was on. A fine athlete sprang to the lead, and when the race was over he had broke the state record. Only a few other runners even finished the race. Many dropped out when they saw they could not win. As the field ...read more
-
There Is An Enlightening Japanese Legend Of A ...
Contributed by Eric Peloquin on Jun 7, 2005
There is an enlightening Japanese legend of a stonecutter named Hasnu. While carving a stone one day he grew miserably weary, and in his weariness began to wish for easier work, and more money. Seeing the king ride by on his horse, he thought he would like to be king. At once his wish was ...read more
-
In His Book, When God Whispers Your Name, Max ... PRO
Contributed by Tim Richards on Dec 1, 2004
In his book, When God Whispers Your Name, Max Lucado tells the story of John Egglen, who had never preached a sermon in his life before the Sunday morning when it snowed and the pastor wasn’t able to make it to the church. In fact, he was the only deacon to show up. He was not a preacher, but he ...read more
-
Peter Drucker Offers Insightful Guidance To The ... PRO
Contributed by Paul Fritz on Oct 18, 2000
Peter Drucker offers insightful guidance to the church when he calls leadership a peak performance by one who is "the trumpet that sounds a clear sound of the organizations’ goals." His five requirements for this task are amazingly reliable and useful for those who dare to lead churches: (1) a ...read more
-
The New Preacher, Fresh Out Of College, Had Just ... PRO
Contributed by Davon Huss on Sep 7, 2005
The new preacher, fresh out of college, had just moved into town. He was nervous but excited about all of the opportunities. After a few days, a nurse at the hospital called and said that he needed to come and visit Mabel. He had never met Mabel but she was a member of the church. On the way to ...read more
Related Sermons
-
What Is Good About Friday? An Easter Message Series
Contributed by Dean Courtier on Apr 1, 2016
Have you ever wondered what is good about Good Friday? What is good about a day that exists to commemorate the torture and execution of Jesus on a cross?
-
Contagious Christianity
Contributed by Chris Surber on Apr 12, 2008
It is genuine Christianity which turned the world upside down and it is genuine Christ-like love which transforms lives.
-
When A Little Guy Meets A Big God
Contributed by Kerry Haynes on Nov 6, 2016
Jesus reaches out to the smallest and the evilest among us with a very personal invitation. He calls us by name. He invites himself over. He desires nothing less than a radically changed life, submitted to him, and all for our good!
-
Caught In The Act Series
Contributed by Seth Lawson on Jan 22, 2018
Examining this event from Jesus' life and ministry in John 8, we can learn to live as he lived and love as he loved ... no condemnation, no compromise, full of compassion.
-
We Are More Than Conquerors
Contributed by Timm Meyer on Feb 12, 2008
Lent 1 (B) - We are more than conquerors. Nothing can stand against the believer. Nothing can separate from God’s love.
