“It’s LOVE that make the world go ’round . . . !”
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The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases, his mercies
never come to an end; they are new every morning;
great is your faithfulness.
-Lamentations 3:22-23 (NRSV)
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The Response of Love
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Do not repay anyone evil for evil, but take thought for what is noble in the sight of all. If it is possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave room for the wrath of God; for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” No, “if your enemies are hungry, feed them; if they are thirsty, give them something to drink; for by doing this you will heap burning coals on their heads.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good. -Romans 12:17-21 (NRSV)
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Do not repay evil for evil or abuse for abuse; but, on the contrary,
repay with a blessing. It is for this that you were called.
-1 Peter 3:9 (NRSV)
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“THE Meanie” - that’s what they called Trudy. She was a tall, sturdy woman with a constantly stern facial expression. Her looks were intimidating, but her behavior was much worse.
Trudy worked in my department. Like everyone else in the company, I didn’t like her. But I decided not to allow my feelings to affect my behavior, so I displayed professional courtesy. In fact, I went a step further and was kind to her.
One day our company had a business luncheon scheduled at a local restaurant, but Trudy was unable to attend. So, I ordered a small lunch to take with me. Back at the office, I went to Trudy’s desk, put the meal in front of her and said, “Since you were not able to join us, I brought something back for you. I hope you like it.”
“Oh, Abby! Thank you so much!” she exclaimed. As I walked away, Trudy sprang from her chair to follow me. “Abby,” she said, “I am so surprised that you thought of me! No one ever thinks of me.” Tears softened her harsh face as she reached out to hug me.
I believe this is what Paul and Peter meant when they taught that we should return kindness for insult. After all, isn’t that the example Jesus gave us on the cross?
Abiyah Abrahms (Arizona, U.S.A.)
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Prayer
Dear Jesus, thank you for your love. Help us to treat others the way you taught us to treat them. Amen.
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Thought for the Day:
“A gentle answer turns away wrath” (Prov. 15:1, NIV).
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