Forgiving a Friend

Alex* invited Ahmed* to his home for a visit. The friends drank tea and talked about what had occurred inthe country since the revolution in January. Ahmed seemed discouraged and depressed. That evening, Alex went to class at the university. When he returned, he found that his laptop and hard drive were gone and the balcony door had been forced open. There were shoe prints in the garden.

The police said it was no ordinary thief, but someone Alex knew. They asked Alex who had visited that day. He thought of Ahmed, but couldn’t believe his friend would do this. Alex called Ahmed and he came. Ahmed would not admit anything to the police, but he asked Alex if he suspected him. Alex said, “I don't suspect you, but someone wearing your shoes! Bring back my things and I will not sign a statement against you.” Ahmed said he would return Alex’s things.

Alex was shocked! Ahmed’s brother begged him to forgive Ahmed and not send him to prison. A Christian lawyer explained to the family the seriousness of the case, and Alex waited to give his answer to the family. But, then he hugged Ahmed and told him that he forgave him.

Ahmed’s brother said with tears in his eyes, “You have every right to send him to prison. Where did you get so much love and power that you can forgive him?” Alex answered, “If Jesus forgave those who betrayed him, and forgave me too, it’s my duty to forgive those who wrong me.”

In that moment, Alex said that the joy of God overwhelmed everyone, including the police officers. They all shook hands and went their ways. Sadly, though, Ahmed still suffers from what he saw during the revolution. He has had hallucinations and no longer recognises anyone. Please pray for God’s mercy on Ahmed. Pray that he will seek Jesus.

* names changed