The Power of Forgiveness: A Lesson from Immaculée Ilibagiza

Recently, I read the story of Immaculée Ilibagiza in her book Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust. Forgiveness is one of the most challenging yet transformative commands in the Christian faith. Talking about forgiveness is easier than forgiving.  In the face of deep pain, it can feel impossible. Few stories demonstrate the power of forgiveness more powerfully than that of Immaculée Ilibagiza, a survivor of the Rwandan genocide. Her journey, shared in her book, shows how God’s grace can empower even the most broken hearts to forgive the unforgivable.

A Journey Through Darkness

In 1994, Rwanda was torn apart by one of the most brutal genocides in modern history. Over 100 days, nearly one million people—mostly from the Tutsi ethnic group—were massacred by Hutu extremists. Immaculée, a young Tutsi woman, was thrust into this nightmare. She spent 91 days hiding in a tiny bathroom with seven other women, listening to the sounds of violence outside as her family and friends were brutally murdered.

During those long, terrifying days, Immaculée wrestled with fear, anger, and the crushing weight of grief. She struggled with the desire for justice, even revenge. But in her darkest moments, she turned to God in prayer, finding strength in her faith.

The Courage to Forgive

When the genocide ended, Immaculée emerged from hiding to face a world forever changed. She had lost nearly everyone she loved. Yet, when she encountered her former neighbor, one of the men responsible for her family’s death, she did something extraordinary: she forgave him.

How could she forgive someone who had caused such unimaginable pain? Immaculée’s answer lies in her faith. She realized that holding onto hatred would only keep her chained to the past. Forgiveness wasn’t about excusing the man’s actions or denying justice; it was about freeing her own heart from bitterness. She chose love over hate. She selected mercy over vengeance.  She trusted God with healing over despair.

What the Bible Says About Forgiveness

Immaculée’s story is a living example of the biblical call to forgive. Scripture repeatedly reminds us that forgiveness is not just for the benefit of others but for our own healing and freedom:

Jesus’ Example on the Cross:

• “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they do.” (Luke 23:34 NKJV)
• Even in His suffering, Jesus forgave those who crucified Him. His example shows us that forgiveness is about aligning our hearts with God’s mercy, not about what the offender deserves.

The Lord’s Prayer:

• “And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.” (Matthew 6:12 NKJV)
• Jesus connects our ability to receive forgiveness from God with our willingness to forgive others. We should not ask for mercy while withholding it from others.

Paul’s Command to the Church:

• “Be kind to one another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God in Christ forgave you.” (Ephesians 4:32 NKJV)
• Forgiveness is a hallmark of Christian love. It’s not optional—it’s a command rooted in the grace we’ve received.

Overcoming Evil with Good:

• “Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” (Romans 12:21 NKJV)
• Forgiveness is a powerful weapon against darkness. It breaks the cycle of hatred and opens the door to redemption.

Forgiveness: A Path to Freedom

Forgiveness doesn’t mean excusing wrongdoing or ignoring justice. It means releasing the burden of bitterness and trusting God to handle what we cannot. Immaculée’s story is a powerful reminder that no matter how deep the pain, God’s grace is sufficient to help us forgive.

If Immaculée could forgive the people who murdered her family, what does that say about the grudges we hold in our own lives? Whether it’s a betrayal, an offense, or deep wounds from the past, forgiveness is always possible through Christ.

Let’s Choose Grace

Forgiveness may not change the past, but it transforms the future. It frees us from the chains of resentment and allows us to walk in the freedom of God’s love. Let’s follow the example of Christ and the witness of people like Immaculée, choosing grace over bitterness and love over hate. May we all find the courage to forgive and experience the peace that comes from letting go.

Reflection & Prayer

• Is there someone in your life whom you need to forgive?
• Ask God to help you release any bitterness, just as He has forgiven you.
• Pray: “Lord, help me to forgive as You have forgiven me. Give me the strength to let go of my pain and trust Your justice. Fill my heart with Your love and peace. Amen.”

Source: Ilibagiza, Immaculée, and Steve Erwin. Left to Tell: Discovering God Amidst the Rwandan Holocaust. Hay House, 2006.