July 15: I Shall Not Hate

When Israeli shelling in the Gaza Strip killed his three daughters, Palestinian doctor Izzeldin Abuelaish astonished the world by not calling for revenge.  Though angry and grieved, he called for peace and cooperation so there would be no more needless suffering.

His memoir “I Shall Not Hate,” which won a 2011 Christopher Award, follows Dr. Abuelaish through his struggles growing up in Gaza, the friendships he made as the first Palestinian to work in an Israeli hospital, and his realization that people of all religions are children of the same God and deserve respect.  Now the founder of the Daughters For Life Foundation, which provides educational opportunities for young women in the Middle East, this unyielding peace activist continues to be a model of forgiveness and reconciliation.

Not letting yourself be consumed by hatred in a situation like Dr. Abuelaish’s can seem like an impossible task.  Ask God to help free you from the burden of hatred.

Pursue what makes for peace and for mutual

upbuilding.  (Romans 14:19)

Instill me with mercy toward those who have harmed me, Lord.