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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