“I was thinking how a man could spend 30 years in prison, and come out and forgive the men who did it to him.” ~ Francois Pienaar, of Nelson Mandela

That line is from Invictus. I watched it last night, and out of all the powerful scenes and lines, this is the one I cannot forget. I loved this movie for two reasons: One, it made me want to go back to South Africa. My husband and I brought a piece of that country home with us, and we’ll never forget it. Two, the theme of forgiveness overwhelmed us both in a beautiful, breath-taking epiphany.

Like Pienaar, I wonder what makes a man determined to forgive those who stole his life. After watching the movie and thinking about it for 24 hours, I can only come up with two things, but two things that can change both history and the future at the same time:

1. A deep, encompassing love for others, regardless of differences
2. An humble and accurate awareness of one’s own need for forgiveness

That’s what makes a man like Mandela determined to live in grace. Like a flag waves as the symbol of a country, forgiveness has marked Mandela’s life.

Is it marking yours?

(pic courtesy of Leigh-Anne, stock.xchng)