MORNING MANNA 11-15-22
GOOD FOR EVIL
“Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.”- Luke 23:34
Several years ago I was blessed when one of our members requested prayer for the man who robbed her husband at gun-point. That speaks volumes about her character! We find it easy to pray for the victim of a crime or injustice, but we seldom think about the needs of the perpetrator. While it is terrible to be robbed and to lose things that are of great value to you, it is worse to be the person committing the crime. That reminds me of the following story.
“Many years ago, Matthew Henry, a well-known Bible scholar, was once robbed of his wallet. Knowing that it was his duty to give thanks in everything, he meditated on this incident and recorded in his diary the following:
‘Let me be thankful, first, because he never robbed me before; second, because although he took my purse, he did not take my life; third, because although he took all I possessed, it was not much; and fourth, because it was I who was robbed, not I who robbed.’”
There is a great lesson in this for us. Rather than seek revenge or live with bitterness because of an offense against us, let us be thankful that the offense was against us rather than by us.No one sins successfully! Therefore,”See that none render evil for evil unto any man; but ever follow that which is good, both among yourselves, and to all men.” – 1 Thess. 5:15 – HDS
David Stone
Lakeway Baptist Church
5801 FM 1960 E
Humble, TX. 77346
