Amish Grace: Forgive Us As We Forgive - Anabaptist (Matthew 6:9-13)

In the quiet hills of Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, lies the small Amish community of Nickel Mines, a place forever marked by tragedy. In October 2006, a gunman entered their school, shattering the peace of their lives and taking the lives of five young girls. In the aftermath, the world watched as the Amish responded with a grace that left many breathless. Instead of anger or vengeance, they extended their hands in forgiveness.

Consider the words of Matthew 6:12: “Forgive us our debts, as we also have forgiven our debtors.” This wasn’t just a line they recited; it was a lifeline they clung to in their darkest hour. As the community gathered in the aftermath, a powerful decision was made: they would visit the family of the shooter, offering not just condolences but heartfelt forgiveness. They understood that in order to embody the prayer they spoke daily, they had to convert those words into action.

Imagine the scene: a humble home, shrouded in silence and sorrow, where the grieving family of the gunman sat in despair. The Amish, dressed in their simple attire, dark and plain, approached with a spirit of compassion. They brought food, not just as a gesture, but as a symbol of sharing burdens and life together. Their words, though few, echoed the weight of deep conviction: “We forgive you.” They knew that forgiveness is not weakness; it is the strength of the heart, a conscious decision to release the chains of resentment.

This remarkable act of grace teaches us that our prayers must be lived out. The Amish community demonstrated that the Lord's Prayer is not merely a ritual, but a call to transform our hearts and communities. When we pray, “Forgive us as we forgive,” we are accepting an invitation to be active participants in God’s grace. Let us lean into this truth, knowing that each time we utter those sacred words, we are called to embody the very forgiveness we seek.