Alborz, a Christian in Tajikistan, struggled with anger after his brother was killed by extremists. He got in touch with SAT-7 to share his journey to forgiveness…
My 25-year-old brother in Afghanistan was a follower of Jesus. When the extremists found out that he was a Christian they hanged him upside down, broke his hands and fingers and burnt his face with cigarettes. They put that child of God through the most dreadful torment and killed him.
I was unable to forgive them and was permanently distressed and in a state of anger. I had a strong desire to take revenge. The feeling of hate that I had for them became my constant companion. Soon I found myself with no friends and even at home I did not speak with kindness to those around me.
One day my father told me, ‘You must forgive those who killed my son.’ It was very difficult for me. After about three years, I was reading the Sermon on the Mount from Matthew 5 in the Bible, and it deeply impacted me. My tears flowed, my heart softened, and I forgave the extremists. That moment the burden I had been carrying was lifted from me.
Today I have a great joy in my heart that God has placed there and I am able to overcome all difficulties.
You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven.”
Matthew 5:43-45