Fleeing from the Khmer Rouge (5) - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2026

… and forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
Matthew 6:12

Fleeing from the Khmer Rouge (5)
Koeun, a Cambodian who has suffered greatly at the hands of the Khmer Rouge, finds faith in the Lord Jesus while in prison in a neighbouring country. Now he faces the challenge, as a Christian, of forgiving his tormentors in his heart. He narrates:

“Trembling all over, I knelt down, alone in the middle of my cell. Then I prayed simply, but from the depths of my heart: ‘God, help me to forgive the Khmer Rouge.’ Then I was racked by sobs and supported myself with my hands on the ground to keep my balance … I experienced this moment alone: alone with myself; alone before God. Then I took my head in my hands to calm myself … I don’t know how long I remained in this position, slowly releasing all my bitterness and hatred.

It’s hard for me to put into words what happened next: Suddenly, I felt a heavy burden lifted from my shoulders. For the first time in a long time, I felt relieved. Hatred and the desire for revenge had clouded my vision for years. Despite the darkness of my cell, I finally felt like I could see clearly. A deep peace entered my heart. I was free, truly free.

It wasn’t a physical or political liberation, as I had hoped for. I had sought freedom. I had left my country, hoping to return soon and find justice. But now, in prison, I had found true freedom – the freedom that didn’t depend on circumstances; the freedom that no one could ever take away from me, whether I was locked within the four walls of a prison or living as a refugee at the other end of the world.”

(concluded)

Today’s reading: Leviticus 5:1-13 · Psalms 51:1-11