The story is told of a man in Massachusetts many years ago who found his
neighbour's horse in the middle of his field. He was so angry about it that he
took the horse to the public pound.
Meeting the owner soon after this, he told him what he had done and added, "If I
catch him there again, I will do the same thing."
The neighbour replied, "Well, the other night I looked out of my window and saw
your cattle in my field. I took your cattle and drove them over to your house,
and put them in the barn, and fixed the gate. If I catch them there again, I
will do the same thing."
The man was reportedly so struck with his neighbour's soft reply that he at once
took the horse out of the pound and paid the charges himself.
Perhaps the most difficult commands given to us by Jesus and his apostles
involve our attitude toward those who are our enemies. It is hard to restrain
ourselves when we have been mistreated or when a hateful attitude has been shown
toward us. The natural response is to repay evil for evil.
But we will only be able to make an impact on the world around us if, by
following the example of Jesus Christ, we are willing to repay good for evil.
"Repay no one evil for evil. Have regard for good things in the sight of all
men. If it is possible, as much as depends on you, live peaceably with all men.
Beloved, do not avenge yourselves, but rather give place to wrath; for it is
written, 'Vengeance is Mine, I will repay,' says the Lord. Therefore 'If your
enemy is hungry, feed him; If he is thirsty, give him a drink; For in so doing
you will heap coals of fire on his head.' Do not be overcome by evil, but
overcome evil with good." (Romans 12:17-21).
Thanks to Alan Smith thought-for-the-day-subscribe@egroups.com
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