Forgive and Remember
Historical Account★★★★Clara Barton century, was widely recognized for her service as a nurse during the Civil War. She provided direct aid to soldiers on the battle lines and became known as the “angel of the battlefield.” She continued her life of service after the war and, in 1881, founded the American Association of the Red Cross.
While working for the Red Cross, Barton was once reminded of a wrong committed against her some years before. “Don’t you remember?,” inquired a friend. “No,” replied Miss Barton emphatically, “I distinctly remember forgetting that.” It’s not teally forgive and forget.
It’s forgive and remember in a new way.’”° (Ps 25:7; Isa 43:25; Matt 6:14-15; 18:21-35; Mark 11:25: Eph 4:31-32; Col 3:13) (Forgiveness) (JAW) Lyman Beecher. Congregational and Presbyterian Minister (1775-1863). When he was twelve years old, Wendell Phillips met the popular preacher Lyman Beecher.
Beecher looked at the young Phillips and declared, “Son, you belong to Christ. Live for him.” Phillips, who became a prominent abolitionist in Amer- ican history, later remembered, “That very day I accepted my mission.” (Rom 14:7-9; 1 Cor 6;19-20; Gal 2:19-20; 1 Tim 4:11-16) (Call, Obedience) (JAW)
The point
Clara Barton, founder of the American Red Cross, chooses to deliberately forget a past wrong; the illustration teaches that forgiveness means remembering the offense in a new way rather than holding onto resentment.