Having trouble viewing this email? Try
viewing
it in your browser. Click
here.
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
"Pardon Your Enemies"
“But I say unto you, Love
your enemies, bless them that curse you,
do good to them that hate you, and pray
for them which despitefully use you, and
persecute you; ”
Matthew 5:44
I read of a Baptist
pastor during the American Revolution, Peter
Miller, who lived in Ephrata, Pennsylvania,
and enjoyed the friendship of George
Washington. In Ephrata also lived
Michael Wittman, an evil-minded sort who did
all he could to oppose and humiliate the
pastor. One day Michael Wittman was
arrested for treason and sentenced to
die. Peter Miller traveled seventy
miles on foot to Philadelphia to plead for
the life of the traitor.
"No, Peter," General Washington said. "I
cannot grant you the life of your friend."
"My friend!" exclaimed the old preacher.
"He's the bitterest enemy I have."
"What?" cried Washington. "You've
walked seventy miles to save the life of an
enemy? That puts the matter in a different
light. I'll grant your pardon."
And he did.
Peter Miller took Michael Wittman back home
to Ephrata--no longer an enemy but a friend.
Do you have this attitude toward your
enemies? Are you pleading with God for
their forgiveness? You ought to be
seeking a way to reconcile with an enemy,
not looking for ways to fight back.
Humble yourself and forgive your enemies,
and find ways to do good for them. Are
you willing to be like your Saviour?
Study verses - Luke 6:27, 35; Ps 86:6; Matt 6:12, 14, 15; 18:21, 35
"Words of Truth" is a
ministry of Central Baptist Church.
Central Baptist Church - 5402 US Hwy 49,
Hattiesburg, MS 39401. (601) 544-0186 www.thecentralbaptist.com
“But I say unto you, Love
your enemies, bless them that curse you,
do good to them that hate you, and pray
for them which despitefully use you, and
persecute you; ”
Matthew 5:44