Forgiveness

At one point during the Truth and Reconciliation Commission in South Africa, Archbishop Emeritus Desmond Tutu recalled a woman who asked him, "Who murdered my husband?" Tutu responded, "We do not know." She was insistent, however, and continued, "I must know who killed my husband." Again, the patient Tutu responded, "I’m sorry, but we may never know who killed your husband." Still her question persisted. Finally, Tutu asked, "My dear lady, why must you know who killed your husband?" She responded simply and quietly, "So I can forgive him."

"You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you." (Matthew 5:43-44)