Five years after World War II ended, Marvin Maris met Taizo Fujishiro at a theological seminary in Chicago. Even though the men had served on opposite sides during the bitter conflict, Maris befriended Fujishiro, typed class notes for him, taught him to drive, and invited him to his home for Christmas. After Taizo returned to Japan, they stayed in touch.

Four decades later, Maris' granddaughter, Connie Wieck, went to Japan to teach English. She phoned Fujishiro and introduced herself. The next day they met for lunch, and Taizo told her all about her grandfather—his first American friend.

Connie later wrote: "Growing up in a town whose veterans were still bitter . . . , I had come to believe that forgiveness was beyond any firsthand witnesses to that history. The lasting friendship between my grandfather and Taizo proved otherwise."

The apostle Paul described the marvel of salvation by writing, "When we were enemies we were reconciled to God through the death of His Son" (Romans 5:10). And John said that those who are forgiven are to love others (1 John 2:9-12).

God's legacy of forgiveness extends from generation to generation as we humbly receive His gift of mercy in Christ and pass it on to others.  — David C. McCasland