October 6, 2012
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Evil for evil
1Pe_3:9 Not rendering evil for evil, or railing for railing: but contrariwise blessing; knowing that ye are thereunto called, that ye should inherit a blessing.
Luk_6:32 For if ye love them which love you, what thank have ye? for sinners also love those that love them.
Mat_16:4 A wicked and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given unto it, but the sign of the prophet Jonas. And he left them, and departed.
When I first started walking at the park a few years ago I noticed a couple of women who would walk in the opposite direction. They with stern looks in their face would force those walking toward them to go around and not share the path. At first I rendered evil for evil I wouldn’t give an inch and we would almost bump shoulders as we walked by each other.
Then I was convicted, and realized instead of me showing love lifting them, they were showing evil affecting me. The problem is nothing stays the same; our encounters were growing worse weekly. After I was convicted I didn’t need a sign from them on how to treat them, I knew I was supposed to show love. So each day I would smile and say hello and move off the track. Eventually it started affecting the two women, they began at first looking back, then smiling then eventually sharing the path and saying hello.
Don’t treat others how they treat you, be obedient and always show love. Don’t need proof that God’s ways work trust in his word, be obedient and in time the proof will be there.
Comments (12)
This hits home this week!!! Had a woman do the same thing, dirty look, and me move… I avoid her to be honest, and I could probably learn a lesson here. Since I make myself the wallflower, I watch others, and know that she recently had another parent dump their kid on her to take to school a few times a week. She is rude to most people, seen her talk behind the backs of others too… another reason I avoid, if a person will talk behind someone else’s back they’ll talk behind mine
There is one woman that smiles and tells me “hi”, but she is trying so desperately to fit into a group that will eat her alive. She’s more meek, but desperate for their approval. She is actually a Russian woman, and we’ve had small chat once. I know a few parents I talk to, and have gotten to know from last year as well, but nothing where they come into my personal life. Just kind words, small chat, but I don’t go out of my way to be rude. Just avoid… which I’m guessing is bad… I get I am not a psychic so I can’t tell what others are thinking, going through at that moment in life, and no real excuse why I put up walls
@Growedup - I have found Bev that as we grow in our relationship with God we no longer need others, and that removes the pressure and will actually attract others to us. Part of it is also that our nature is changed and we become more pleasent to be around. It is much easier for a married man to pick up a woman than a single man, it is because there is no pressure either way a married man has a date either with a woman he meets or his wife at home. I say hello to every one I encounter on my walk, and now if I slow down I have several people that will join me. I most generally walk at a very fast pace, so not alot of people can keep up, but when I slow down there is generally someone right there to join me. I learnt a long time ago, when we speak try to speak as if we are telling every one we know the same thing, in that way if anything we say is repeated it dont matter.
Thank you Bev for yoru visit and comment, they are appreciated.
Wow!! How did I miss this?!! This is a wonderful post…
I used to be one, that would just walk by, not say a word, grumpy for grumpy….
But then….I started smiling at people as I passed them, saying good morning….It doesn’t matter who the person is, he or she can be a total stranger….The first time I pass them, I smile and say good morning….And the next time I pass them, there is a smile and a good morning in return….
Just a smile, and a good morning shows a person that you care….You are reaching out to them….And you never know, that you could very well be an Angel in disguise…..That person you said good morning to, and smiled at could have had thoughts of despair…Suicidal thoughts…..
This is how God would want us to be…..
@ellie1945 - Thank you Ellie! It helped me understand that verse about an evil generation seeks a sign in a new way. At first I was seeking a sign, the others being friendly to return friendship. A good person needs no sign, they live their belief based upon what they believe not on what happens or dont happen.
Thank you Ellie for yoru visit and comment, they are appreciated.
GBU
Hope you have a great day! God Bless…
@Sisterinchrst - Thank you Jes, glad to see you. At times I am glad I wasnt a Jew, it would have taken more than just 40 yrs in the wilderness of learning. LOL
I always smile at people or make a nice comment while standing in a line. I have had some very nice chats that way. Bro. Doc
@BroDoc - I agree Bro Doc we as Christians should always be the intiaters, we shouldnt need them to make the first move. Thank you!
@Lewis1122 - Very true. Bro. Lewis. Bro. Doc
This is a good post and Lewis, next time I got computer problems and can’t get online, pleaaaase maeke a list of your blogs that I missed and I will get to them
This is greaat!
@liz4christ - Thank you Liz, I shall try to do that.
@Lewis1122 - Thank you!