It didn’t take long for this example to come forth in the wake of Nelson Mandela’s death.

It came in the form of questions about how the great man’s spirit of grace and forgiveness could somehow be brought to bear on the poisonous political climate that afflicts Washington, D.C.

Think about this for a moment.

Mandela was sentenced to 27 years in prison. The South African government had charged him with treason because he fought to bring basic human rights to the majority of residents of his country. Black people did not enjoy the fruits of freedom in their country because the white minority imposed the rule of apartheid. Mandela said that was wrong and lead demonstrations against his government.

For that he was imprisoned until his release on Feb. 11, 1990. Did he condemn his captors? When he was released, did he launch reprisals against those who took away his freedom? No. He sought to reach out to them. Mandela said the end of apartheid meant he had won. He demonstrated grace and compassion. Nelson Mandela became a living symbol of forgiveness.

Is there a lesson for American politicians who cannot put aside their hard feelings? Do their differences now seem even more petty and petulant when compared to the deep schisms that afflicted politicians in South Africa?

I believe there exists a lesson that should not be lost on those who have crippled our government.