Killing others with kindness and forgiveness (Hebrews 8:12) with a story of what happens between a pious deacon and his "enemy."

SCRIPTURE: Hebrews 8:12 (NIV)

I will forgive their wickedness and will remember their sins no more.

STORY as told by Walter Marshall Horton:

There is an old story of a pious deacon who, goaded apparently beyond endurance by the persistent malic of an enemy, publicly vowed to “kill him.” It came to the ears of his enemy, who waited sardonically to see what the good and harmless old fool would do. Actually the deacon sought out every opportunity to do his enemy good. This was at first a source of merriment and some slight annoyance; but when at last the deacon rendered costly and sacrificial service to his adversary, risking his life to save the man’s wife form drowning, the deadlock between the two was broken and a new relationship set up. “All right,” said the man, “you’ve done what you said you’d do, and I admit it. You’ve killed me – or at least you’ve killed the man that I was. Now, what can I do for you?”

OBSERVATION:

“Kill them with kindness” probably needs to be practiced more often in this world. This got me thinking.

What would happen if just a couple of individuals, who claim to be Christians, began to practice what the deacon did in the story above … killing his “enemy” with kindness?

This isn’t a novel idea nor am I the first to suggest it. Could our communities be changed? Could the political temperature be turned around? Could relationships be transformed? Could health issues be resolved? Could we sleep better at night? Could friendships be established? Could families come back together?

Probably on all fronts … Let’s kill someone today with the love of Christ and the kindness of our actions! O.K.? O.K.!

Look all around you ... find someone in need.
Help somebody today! 


Though it be little ... a neighborly deed,
Help somebody today! 



Help somebody today, somebody along life's way;


Let sorrow be ended, the friendless befriended, 
O, help somebody today! 



Many are waiting a kind, loving word.
Help somebody today! 


Thou hast a message ... O let it be heard.
Help somebody today! 



Many have burdens too heavy to bear.
Help somebody today! 


Grief is the portion of some everywhere.
Help somebody today! 



Some are discouraged and weary in heart.
Help somebody today! 


Someone the journey to heaven should start
Help somebody today!

PRAYER:

Help us to help others today. Lead us down the path where we can offer an unselfish act of kindness. Help us to help others today!

QUOTE: Author unknown

Forgiveness is the perfume of the violet on the heel that crushed it.