Our response to cruelty or maliciousness is often difficult to temper. As Christians we can be especially exposed. Thus, it is incumbent upon us to keep in memory the cause of Christ lest it suffer as a result of wrong actions. Justified as they may seem. Remember, a wrong reaction is just that. It's wrong! It is never justified. This subject brought the following illustrations to mind.
In 1755, a twenty-three year old colonel was embroiled in a political campaign for a seat in the Virginia General Assembly. Exercising limited judgment, the young man made an insulting comment to a hot-tempered man named Payne. Payne, who had quite a reputation for controversy, didn't take kindly to the insult and responded by swiftly knocking his offender down with a hickory stick. Soldiers rushed to the colonel's assistance, and would have done Payne great hurt, but he called them off. The man got to his feet and excited the scene. Early the next morning, the colonel rose and wrote Payne a letter. He requested that the two meet at a nearby tavern. Payne obliged, wondering what motives and demands a man with a bruised ego might have. He was sure an apology or even a duel might be demanded. However, one can imagine Payne's surprise when the young opponent met him with an apology for his derogatory remarks, proceeding to request his forgiveness, and then offering his hand in peace. Who was the young man? Our readers would know him best as "General" George Washington. Of course, he later became the first President of the United States. It is just this sort of character which has endeared him to our nation from then until now.
Friends and brethren, a reaction to injustice may seem justified, but really it only serves to elevate the wrong to new heights. Paul wrote, "Let not the sun go down on your wrath: neither give place to the devil. Let all bitterness and wrath, and anger, and clamor, and evil speaking, be put away from you, with all malice: And be ye kind one to another, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, even as God for Christ's sake hath forgiven you" (Ephesians 4:26-32). The Lord said it best, "Whosoever shall smite thee on thy right cheek, turn to him the other also" (Matthew 5:39) Word to live by!
~In Gospel Power, Anderson, Alabama, 5/9/99.