Film "Amish Grace" is a movie containing lessons in true forgiveness. It's intent was not to educate about Amish lifestyle and beliefs, yet those and the Nickel Mines, PA Amish School murders were the backdrops for the story..the framework if you will allow. It is my opinion that it was not the purpose to capitalize upon the tragedy that struck this serene community near my home, nor to point a finger at Mr. Charlie Roberts and his family. Instead, the film's purpose was to address the radicalness of forgiveness in a world which does not often seek to forgive nor teaches forgiveness. The story, and the example of our Amish Christian brethren, is that of illustrating the beauty and strength of the forgiveness that Christ Jesus Himself commanded of his apostles, and also of us. Forgiveness is not easy to carry out, nor to feel in one's heart. Forgiveness is a decision of the will not to seek to carry out vengeance towards another person. Only God, Who is all-knowing and all-loving can truly know what's going on in a person's heart...the one who carries out a fault against another. So, it follows that God forgives, and as we believe and trust in Him, we also are able to imitate His forgiveness, though we cannot, in our human limitations, completely understand a situation. Jesus asks us to take the higher road. Our unforgiveness is an obstacles to the healing and faith of others. To live in His peace is God's will for all mankind.
Amish Grace does not seek a major film award. Perhaps it was not perfect in writing, scope, and dialogue, but it is the lesson of forgiveness that is its banner. I hope many, many people see this film and hearten to its lessons. May all people grow in respect of our Amish neighbors and learn also from their simple, quiet, trusting faith in God. We have much to learn from their choice to be separate (holy) unto the Lord. Thanks for reading this.
