A Christian walked by the stream and sat down next to Jesus who was throwing pebbles into the brook.
?Did I act appropriately with that person who chiseled me out of several hundred bucks?? The Christian annoyingly asked the Lord.
Jesus stared down to the water?s edge, while shaking his head in an affirmative display. ?But what did you learn from that experience??
?It was hard for me to stay calm, and discuss the matter without sounding condescending or belligerent.?? The Christian was considering his right in the matter. ?After all, that person was a professional and they steered me to spend money on something that would do me no good whatsoever.?
?Made you angry, did it??? Jesus looked up and made direct eye contact.
?Well, shouldn?t it have?? What I am saying is that I?m not made out of money, and I really needed to purchase the right item for my problem – instead, all I got was useless information, a bogus fix, and a runaround.?? Christian stopped for brief moment to fill his lungs. ?They have it all figured out.? Get the plastic or the greenback into their coffers and move on to the next sucker.? Am I right in what I am saying??
Jesus was scratching at the sand along the shore.? ?Some of what you say is true.? People should be honest and do their best, but well, this is the world.? Should you not expect to be taken advantage of??
?Yes.?? But what good does it do to be nice??? Christian was trying to find an answer that would satisfy his spirit.
?I want you to be kind, isn?t that enough??? Jesus smiled a bit in an effort to bring some calm.
?Of course, that?s the overriding reason for my trying so hard, but did it do that person any good??? Christian was looking for that pragmatic payback.
Jesus put his arm around Christian.? ?Of course it did that person good.? He recognized that you did not shout and that you did not make snide remarks.? You respected him.? How else can we bring people into the Kingdom?? We have to use the different approach of kindness, and patience.? When people see those two qualities under the circumstances, they are more likely to listen to my words. Let us kill their old nature with kindness.? So have you learned anything else from your obedience??
Christian looked Jesus square in the face.? ?I just had a deep thought. ? Being patient and kind is costly. ? We may be killing the world with kindness, but it seams to be killing me too.?
?Yes it is.? Allow that old nature of yours to die and be transformed.? When my children live kindness, they become perfect even as their Father in Heaven is perfect.? Have you not read Isaiah 54:8?? ?In a little wrath I hid my face from thee for a moment; but with everlasting kindness will I have mercy on thee, saith the Lord thy Redeemer.?? ? Jesus stood quietly while Christian took in the words.
Christian smiled and shook his head with humble resignation – accepting the teaching, as they walked toward the mount of God.? A few other words were heard to come softly on the wind. ?I understand Lord, but how can I make up that lost money?? I?m not Bill Gates you know.?
As Jesus and Christian moved into the warmth of the celestial light, Jesus was heard to softly say,
?I?ll make it up to you.? Have I told you the story concerning the widow?s mite???
?But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you – that you may be children of your Father in heaven. He causes his sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.? [Mt.5:44-45]
?Each of you should give what you have decided in your heart to give, not reluctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.? [2Cor.9:7]