Enemy Love in Practice

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Paidion
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Enemy Love in Practice

Post by Paidion » Wed Jun 26, 2019 9:36 pm

Christian Practises Enemy Love

Jesus said:
... I tell you who hear, “Love your enemies, do good to those who hate you. Bless those who curse you. Pray for those who abuse you. (Luke 6:27,28)

From 1962 to 1965, I taught school (as an outsider) at Crystal Springs Hutterite Community. During that time, I came to know Sam Kleinsasser as a friendly and joyful man, who well understood Christianity as it was practised among Hutterite people. I had many edifying conversations with this wise man. His position in the community was that of the humble task of working in the pig barn, taking care of the hogs.

Crystal Springs had excellent relations with most of their neighbours—with a single exception. There was one particular neighbour who hated Hutterites.

While living at Crystal Springs, the following account was related to me:

One day, Sam was driving a tractor down a public road. The tractor broke down, right in from of the house of the man who hated Hutterites. I don't know his name, but we'll call him “Mr. Animus.” Well, Sam had to phone the colony in order to get help, and so he knocked on the door of the house, and the wife answered, “Yes?”

“My tractor broke down, and I was wondering if I could use your phone to call home for help.”

“I guess so. Come in.”

First Sam removed his muddy boots, placed them near the door step, and entered in his sock feet. He had just completed his call to the colony, when the man of the house entered.

“What are you doing here, you $#*@& Hutterite?”

“My tractor broke down and I had to make a phone call.”

“Well you get the hell out of here, you stupid, $#*@& Hutterite!”

What could Sam do, but go? So Sam walked to the door and reached for his boots. Before Sam could pick them up, Mr. Animus grabbed them and threw them into a mud puddle.

When I tell this story, I ask each of my listeners at this point to tell me what he would do if he were Sam. Some said they would punch the man in the face. Others said they would just pick up their boots, go and sit on the tractor, and wait for help to arrive.

Sam did something quite different. He turned to the man and said, “Say, why don't you come and visit us at Crystal Springs? Come for dinner next Sunday. You'd be very welcome, and I know you'd have a good time.”

“Oh, get out of here.” But his tone was not quite as angry as it had been.

Well, guess who showed up for dinner at Crystal Springs the following Sunday? The Hutterite brethren treated Mr. Animus like a king! He was short of potatoes that year, and they gave him several bags to take home. The man was highly impressed. After that, he was one of Crystal Springs' best friends.

Jesus' instructions to love one's enemies works in practice, and can have very positive results.
Paidion

Man judges a person by his past deeds, and administers penalties for his wrongdoing. God judges a person by his present character, and disciplines him that he may become righteous.

Avatar shows me at 75 years old. I am now 83.

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Homer
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Re: Enemy Love in Practice

Post by Homer » Fri Jun 28, 2019 8:05 pm

Hi Paidion,

Thanks for the great story!

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Homer
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Re: Enemy Love in Practice

Post by Homer » Sun Jun 30, 2019 3:13 pm

Paidion,

Printed your story and took to Church today to be read to the class we attend on Hebrews. Very important to be not just a hearer but a doer!

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Paidion
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Location: Back Woods of North-Western Ontario

Re: Enemy Love in Practice

Post by Paidion » Sun Jun 30, 2019 8:07 pm

Thanks Homer! I'm so glad that you shared this wonderful account of a Christian brother who put into practice Jesus' instructions to love one's enemies.
Paidion

Man judges a person by his past deeds, and administers penalties for his wrongdoing. God judges a person by his present character, and disciplines him that he may become righteous.

Avatar shows me at 75 years old. I am now 83.

BrotherAlan
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Joined: Fri Oct 22, 2010 10:42 am

Re: Enemy Love in Practice

Post by BrotherAlan » Mon Jul 01, 2019 1:15 am

GREAT story! Love it! Thanks, Paidion! God bless you, brother!

In Christ,
BrotherAlan
"Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Spirit,
as it was in the beginning, is now, and always, and unto the ages of ages. Amen."

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