Peace And Goodwill Towards Men. Part [11] 01/01/2024/ (Evening thought)

Matthew 26:47 And while he yet spoke, lo, Judas, one of the twelve, came, and with him a great multitude with swords and staves, from the chief priests and elders of the people. 48 Now he that betrayed him gave them a sign, saying, Whomsoever I shall kiss, that same is he: hold him fast. 49 And forthwith he came to Jesus, and said, Hail, master; and kissed him.

Jesus did not call for battalions of angels against His betrayer, He didn’t utter imprecations against those who were mocking or reviling Him on the cross, and instead of seeking retribution, He instead uttered a word of mercy by saying “Father forgive them”.

The you and me in the here and now would need to have a serious talk with God about the ways and the means adopted, when we are treated badly for no apparent reason by others. Some of us will have to start at home, by forgiving our spouses, others will need to forgive children, and vice-versa, and others will need to forgive in-laws and outlaws.

But if we determine to squeeze strict justice out of the offender, if we determine to repay one bad drive with another bad drive, and if we determine to sue the daylights out of those who have done us wrong, then we will never see peace, and good will, for as was stated before, when you fight fire with fire, all you get is more fire.

Matthew 26:51 And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest's, and smote off his ear. 52 Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword.

May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!

Peace And Goodwill Towards Men. Part [10] 12/31/2023 (Morning thought)

1st Peter 2:21 For even hereunto were you called: because Christ also suffered for us, leaving us an example, that you should follow his steps. 23 Who, when he was reviled, reviled not again; when he suffered, he threatened not; but committed himself to him who judges righteously.

In the life of Christ, we can all clearly see examples of the use of the heavenly currency, in not using tit for tat principles, when dealing with offences. When the woman who was caught in adultery was brought to Jesus for redress, those who brought her referred to tit for tat laws, that were written down by Moses.

Jesus at that time took the high road of grace, and mercy and demonstrated that it is better and always productive of greater good not to repay wrongs with strict justice every time, for wherever you fight fire with fire, you always get more fire. Ask any fireman and they will confirm what we are saying.

Fighting fire with fire is tearing this country apart, and we have not yet seen where it will all lead to, since it takes time for the fruits thereof to become manifest. When Jesus was spat upon, He again took the high road; when the back-stabber Judas kissed Him he replied, “Friend, wherefore art thou come?”

Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord. 20 Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst, give him drink: for in so doing thou shalt heap coals of fire on his head. 21 Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word God bless!