Rwanda. Love Beyond Pain.

As we come to the close of April, I’ve found myself reflecting on the stories that have filled my social media platform this month, particularly those connected to the remembrance of the Rwandan Genocide, that is alsways marked in April. While these accounts carry deep sorrow, they also reveal something profoundly powerful: the intentional choice of forgiveness in the face of unimaginable pain.

And that brings us right to the heart of our theme this year, Loving Like Jesus.

One story that continues to challenge and inspire is that of Immaculée Ilibagiza, shared in her book Left to Tell.

She survived by hiding in a tiny bathroom for 91 days. In that confined, uncertain space, she wrestled with fear, grief, anger, and even the desire for revenge. But in that same space, through prayer, something deeper began to take root.

She emerged from her bathroom hideout having discovered the meaning of truly unconditional love, a love so strong she was able to seek out and forgive her family’s killers.

That kind of love is not natural. It is not easy. It is not quick.It is the kind of love we see in Jesus.

To love like Jesus is to forgive beyond reason. To release what we have every right to hold onto. To choose grace when justice feels more justified. It is a love that does not ignore pain but transforms it.

Immaculée’s story reminds us that this kind of love is possible not because we are strong, but because God meets us in our weakness and reshapes our hearts.

So as April comes to an end, the question before us is simple, Where is God calling me to love like Jesus?

It may not look as extreme as Immaculée’s story but in our everyday relationships, in our hurts, disappointments, and wounds, the invitation is the same.To forgive, to release and To love anyway.

Because in the Kingdom of God, love is most clearly seen not just in what we give but in what we choose to let go.

Atieno Oketch
Director, Growth Teams
Kenya