I had examples from the scriptures where people who were once wicked became very righteous over the power of forgiveness from Jesus Christ. The most important lesson I taught them today was how to not get angry in the first place when people say or do mean things. "If someone is mean to you, or does something mean, tell them 'I love your face when you smile' and see if it changes things." We practiced this over and over, til I was sure they knew what I was teaching was something they could do in the midst of angry or hateful kids.
I know this is easier to teach them this principle, than to expect them to live it or do it, but hopefully, there will come a time in their life when they will remember me, and the lesson I taught about seeing the good in people, regardless of how ugly they are being at that moment. Because those that hurt others, may be hurting inside too.
While getting my Jesus time in today with personal scripture study, it was very poignant to me, that Christ loved EVERYONE. The sick and afflicted, the meek and lowly. No respector of persons. That he too, loves you and I and is waiting to forgive all. He loves those that continue to persecute the name of Christianity because they are his flock, wayward, but his. He knows how they suffer too.
The powerful two-part life message Christ taught me was "Daughter, be of good comfort, thy faith hath made the whole, go in peace" and "As I have loved you, Love one another." His message of love, hope, faith and redemption can cure everything. I promise you.
Christ has overcome the world, so that he may love you and meet your specific needs.
My hardest lesson.... and this I still fight....
To forgive myself.