The Jesus Way

There is a story about a young soldier who was completely humiliated by his senior officer. This officer knew that he really had crossed a line and over-disciplined the young soldier. So when the younger man, clearly angry, said through clenched teeth, “I’ll make you regret this if it is the last thing I ever do,” the officer simply let it go.

Several days later their company was under heavy fire and the officer was wounded far from his troops. He was astonished when he looked up and saw that same young soldier coming to his rescue. At the risk of his own life, he carried the officer to safety. “Son, I owe you my life,” he whispered. The young man laughed and said, “I told you that I would make you regret humiliating me if it was the last thing I ever did.” 

This story reminds me of Jesus’ words to his disciples, “But to you who are listening I say… do good to those who hate you, bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.” In the end, love wins.

Let us pray: Loving God, you ask us to love our enemies and to forgive those who have hurt us and we admit that is hard for us to do. Rescue us from any abusive relationships. But also, Lord, rescue us from hatred, bitterness, or anger, that we might live free. We pray in the name of the One who showed your forgiveness on the cross, your Son Jesus. Amen.