The Rebuild: Matthew 5-7નમૂનો

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand (2010) tells the story of Louis Zamperini, a middle-distance runner on the US track team at the Berlin Olympics in 1936. Following the outbreak of war, Zamperini put his running career on hold and joined the US Air Force in the Pacific. In 1943, his plane was lost at sea. He survived and was eventually captured by the Japanese. Louis spent the rest of the war as a POW in Japan. With his celebrity status as an Olympian, he was targeted for harsh treatment by the prison guards.

At the end of the war, Zamperini returned to the US but suffered severe PTSD. He drank heavily and struggled to hold down a job. In 1949, with his marriage on the rocks, his wife persuaded him to attend a Billy Graham Rally. Very soon, Zamperini came to Christ and was remarkably transformed. He stopped drinking and his marriage healed!

In 1950, he returned to Japan where he spoke to the Japanese guards who had tortured him, themselves now prisoners for war crimes. He forgave them and spoke of Christ’s forgiveness.

Zamperini’s story of redemption speaks to this question of loving those who hate us. It’s not a sentimental love, nor does it seek to right wrongs. Rather, it is a love that truly forgives and says “I no longer hold this against you”. Such a love seems counter-intuitive, but it is the love we are called to demonstrate – something only Jesus can help us do.

Today, ponder this: Is there someone in your life who you may have conflict or disagreement with? How does Jesus’ example of grace and forgiveness shape how you should respond to them? Consider what practical step you will take to reconcile and commit the person to prayer.