TIT FOR TAT!
Mr. John Thomas, Retired Missionary, Vizianagram
my forgiveness. Do your job”. As Wishart was hung and burned, the crowd mourned and complained that an innocent lamb has been slaughtered( Taken from the book FOX ' S CHRISTIAN MARTYRS OF THE WORLD). Leave alone martyrdom.“ Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus”( Phil 2:5).
When I help somebody, I expect a“ Thank you” from that person. Is it wrong? When he or she does not reciprocate with a word of thanks, I get upset. Is that right? As I grew in the Lord, I learnt that I need not expect thanks. When I receive bad for the good, how do I respond? This is where the life and teachings of Jesus Christ come alive to me as an example to follow( Matt 5:44). Apostle Paul taught the same( Rom 12:21).
“ Jesus came for His own and they did not receive Him”( Jn 1:11). People who received from Him teaching, healing, miracle, food etc., not only were ungrateful but they out rightly rejected Him. But Jesus gave His life for those who forsook, those who denied, those who betrayed, and those who rejected Him and crucified Him! What a revolutionary love( Rom 5: 8.10)! This is divine love. If I am a follower of Jesus, I should not be disappointed over any adverse response, rather go a second mile to love them( Matt 5:40,41).
Master George Wishart, a Cambridge University professor was martyred in 16th Century declaring to be a heretic by John Winryme, the dean of the then Church. When he was about to be hanged and burnt alive on the stakes, his hangman knelt before him and said,“ Sir, please forgive me. I am not guilty of your death”.“ Come here” Wishart replied. When the man went near him, Wishart kissed him and said,“ This is the token of
How do we reciprocate even for a small mistreatment?
A simple check list... Am I prepared to face hatred when I have shown love?
Am I prepared to accept ingratitude when I have shown kindness?
Am I prepared to lose when I have lent to others?
Am I prepared to be deserted when I have cared for others?
Though I am reproached, am I prepared to forgive unconditionally?
Though others humiliate me, do I give back respect?
Though I am trampled down, am I prepared to lift up others, above my level?
Though I am not appreciated, am I prepared to accept criticism?
When I have helped others, do I expect them to reciprocate?
When my advice is not accepted, am I prepared to accept others ' suggestions?
When my teaching is not accepted, am I prepared to learn?
When I esteem others better than me, do I expect to be respected?
Though my prayers are not acknowledged, do I continue to pray for others?
Though my feelings are hurt, do I try to heal other ' s wounds?
Though I am looked down upon, do I appreciate others?
Though I am disappointed, do I give back others glad surprises?
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