Not too long ago I was challenged to do a hard thing.
I recently read the book “The Hiding Place”. A book that many of you have probably read. But, for some reason I had not come across it. The book encapsulates a brief time in the life of Corrie and Betsie Ten Boom. These were a warriors of doing hard things …and it was Jesus’ words lived out through them that changed the game.
One poignant moment about half way through the book while the Ten Boom sisters are in the Ravensbruck concentration camp in the midst of being persecuted in ways unimaginable by German soldiers … Corrie whispers to her sister Betsie as they witness the terrible persecution occurring, “what can we do for these people? … Can’t we make a home for them and care for them and love them?” Betsie’s response was, “Corrie, I pray for them every day that we will be allowed to do this! To show them that love is greater.” (Ten Boom, The Hiding Place, pp220-221, emphasis added) It wasn’t until later that Corrie realized that while she was thinking of the other prisoners, her sister Betsie was thinking of their persecutors.
Did you catch that? Doesn’t this totally shock you? It sure did me? Corrie is being compassionate toward prisoners and Betsie is compassionate and (literally) praying daily for her enemies! Even in this situation?
Both of these women recalled Jesus’ words found in Matthew 5: “…love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you…”
I believe Jesus was challenging me as I read the book. “Jay, are you living these truths out?” There is no clause that excuses me from taking action on this or any other great truth found in the Bible while at home or in the office.
As I read through the book (and I recommend it), you see time after time great examples of forgiveness and love even in the midst of such adversity.
So what do I do with this, then? I always ask questions. What is the hard thing I face? What does this look like in my life at my office … if I really put it into action?
- Could it be a friend whose feelings I hurt and I need to seek forgiveness?
- Could it be a customer I need to call and apologize for handling them inappropriately?
- Could it be actually praying for a perceived enemy or someone who doesn’t agree 100% with me?
My “hard things” list is endless.
My list is trivial in light of persecution to the extent revealed in the book. Doing the hard thing of showing “love is greater” can many times be difficult, … but Jesus changes the game.
“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven. For he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward do you have? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you greet only your brothers, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You therefore must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect. Matthew 5:43-48
Think and pray
The remedy for those who wrong you, let you down, or make like difficult is not distance, retribution or justice. It’s Jesus. What they need is not a punishment that fits the crime, it’s Jesus!
Lord, remind me of Your great love for me, and incline my heart to want that for others as well. Your word calls me to be an ambassador of reconciliation, so give me the grace to do that with a sincere heart. Amen.
Jay Emory is the President of BancFirst Yukon/Mustang. He has been a financial professional for over 30 years. His stated purpose is to connect with men and women and impact their faith and financial lives through encouragement and connection. He also leads a CBMC Connect3 group at his office in Yukon every Wednesday morning.
