What is Human?

I stumbled across this video from Apologetics Canada, titled “What is Human?” from their short story series, The Human Project.

It’s only five minutes, so I encourage you to watch it — I don’t want to give away the story. Watch it first, then keep reading.

The story is told by a woman from Uganda. As a child, her village was attacked by another tribe, and they killed 96 of the 100 women and children. Our main character, only a child then, was one of the four who was able to escape. She was on the run in the wilderness, alone, until she found refuge.

Many years later, as an adult, while working at an orphanage, there is a young boy, who she has become friends with. The only thing she knows about this young boy, is that he is from the very same tribe that murdered her family and friends and destroyed her village. Yet, despite that, she befriends the young boy. She takes care of him, removing by hand the festering bugs that have taken root in his feet — An act that reminds me of Jesus washing the feet of Judas.

It’s such a beautiful picture of what the grace, love and forgiveness of Jesus looks like.

She chooses not to live in bitterness. She chooses not to drink the toxic poison that is hatred and rage. Even though she may still carry the pain, the memories, the hurt — She doesn’t let it define her or control her life.

Here in America, very few of us are in a position like the woman in this story. We could watch and feel justifiable anger and demand justice on her behalf. But how often do we hold onto bitterness over so much less? We choose not to forgive over petty offenses.

We’re instructed, in Matthew 6:14-15 that we are to forgive people who sin against us, because then, our Father will forgive us. But if we don’t, if we choose to stay bitter, not only will we remain chained to our hatred and rage, sealed off in the prison of our own making, but our Father will not forgive us of our own sin.