This has been a turbulent year in Asia. China has pushed forward with territorial claims to islands all over the Eastern Pacific. In Japan, Prime Minister Abe offered what many saw as a partial apology for Japan’s role prior to and during WWII. Learn more about the troubled relations between China and Japan >>
Walking the Walk
In the midst of the turmoil, it’s inspiring to see how Chinese and Japanese pastors have responded. Walking the walk of reconciliation outlined in the Bible, Japanese pastors have set up retreats where they offer their apology for the sins of their forefathers toward church leaders in China, Cambodia, Myanmar, the Philippines, and beyond.
Powerful encounters, where Japanese brothers have fallen on their faces to repent for the sins of their nations, have left their pastoral brothers from other nations in tears. Many believe that these acts of repentance carry special spiritual impact in this, the 70th anniversary of the end of WWII. These humble Japanese leaders are praying that their acts of reconciliation will spark a breakthrough in the hope of Christ for Japan. I join them in this prayer.
How can we apply this personally?
What is happening between nations can also happen in our individual lives. As we reconcile one to another, we demonstrate the love of Jesus. The power of reconciliation is immense–forgiveness is one of the most potent forces in our world. Just look at what happened in Charleston, South Carolina, following the horrific mass shooting that took place this past June at Emanuel African Methodist Episcopal Church.
When we ask forgiveness for wrongs we have done–AND when we forgive others for wrongs they have committed against us–an amazing force is released. I’m praying this force of forgiveness will prove transformational for Japan this year. And I pray it will also prove to be transformational in your own life.
Joe Handley
More Information
- This article was originally published by Billy Graham Center for Evangelism...
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