OCTOBER 27, Romans 12:17a 

The Holocaust is one of the saddest and most wicked periods of human history – that was when six million Jews were killed and persecuted by Germany during World War 2. There were 39 concentration camps in total where the Jews were to die. The worst time was between December 1941 and the end of 1944 – during this period, more than four million people were killed. The total of six million Jews killed represented about two-thirds of the entire Jewish population in Europe then.

Why would men do such evil to the Jews? The answer to this question is SIN. Sin had so possessed the minds and hearts of the Germans when they were mesmerised by a man called Hitler. He and his trusted inner circle planned the mass-murder of the Jews. Initially, many of them did not know they were sent to be killed. They were told they were to be housed in these camps, and then they were asked to go for a “shower”. In fact, what came out of the shower taps above them was not water but poisonous gases.

Should the Jews today take revenge? Of course not. Two wrongs do not make one right. The Germans have sinned grievously, and to their credit, they have confessed their wrongdoing. Today in Germany, they have memorial halls that showcase the horrors of the past and how their people have been such a cruel and mindless war machine. Some war criminals have also been tried in court. Those found guilty were jailed or executed.

Has someone wronged or hurt you? Is there something anyone has done to you that you find difficult to forgive? Or perhaps it is someone you are very close to, such as your parent or sibling.

Learn the lesson of forgiveness. Christ is willing to forgive us of our sins when we confess them to Him. Forgiveness also heals the forgiver. So the next time you think someone has done something wrong to you and you get very angry, be willing to forgive, my young friend.

Thought: Do I have a forgiving attitude?

Prayer: Heavenly Father, teach me the lesson of forgiveness. If the Jews today should not take revenge for the Holocaust, so I must learn the lesson of how to forgive. Remind me that forgiveness is in line with the nature of my Heavenly Father, who has forgiven me for the sins I have done. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.