September 17, 2007

Let’s take a moment away from politics and other issues for a moment and focus on the power of forgiveness.

The Amish community school in Pennsylvania that lost five girls in a schoolhouse shooting last year has donated money to the widow of the gunman.

Many of you will remember the forgiving spirit of the Amish after the massacre. In a statement about the donation to the widow of the gunman, the nickel mines accountability committee said, “forgiveness is a journey…you need help from God… to make and hold on to a decision not to become a hostage to hostility.”

That is a concept virtually unknown in our take-no-prisoners culture. So much rhetoric today is angry and judgmental and condemning. So much is about defeating the other person, taking revenge and demanding entitlements. The Amish have reminded us that the power of forgiveness – especially when forgiveness is not asked for – has a power that no one else can touch.

Cal Thomas is a nationally syndicated columnist based in Washington, D.C.