FROM THE EDITORS June 18, 2007 Issue

A SECOND LOOK AT FORGIVENESS

WE'RE OFTEN DRAWN to starting points. Last October, one in particular caught the world by surprise. It began when the Amish community of Nickel Mines, Pennsylvania, forgave Charles Roberts and his family for the heinous crime he committed when he attacked a schoolhouse in that Lancaster County village.

Even as anger and sadness were spreading along with the shocking news of what had happened, a grandfather of one of the children Roberts had killed was already reminding relatives in the community, "We must not think evil of this man." A short time later, another community member commented, "I don't think anybody here wants to do anything but forgive and not only reach out to those who have suffered a loss in that way but to reach out to the family of the man who committed these acts."

What's surprising is that it wasn't a matter of hours or days before there was forgiveness, as remarkable as that would have been, but it came immediately, as though it had no starting point—emanating from the Amish people's deep and unwavering love for another. A powerful, merciful love had already filled their hearts.

Send a comment to the editors

This is the end of the issue. Ready to explore further?

Online features Audio