The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Luke 6:26-28, “Woe to you when all men speak well of you, for in the same way their fathers used to treat the false prophets.

27 “But I say to you who hear, love your enemies, do good to those who hate you,

28 bless those who curse you, pray for those who mistreat you.”

This era and culture in which we currently live is a 180-degree turn from the culture in which I

grew up. Oh, people weren’t as openly rude and crude as people are today. Now, I don’t mean

everyone, just those who seem to have nothing of value to say except to criticize everything

everyone else says or believes.

I turned off the news tonight when they seemed to be obsessed with who said what and why.

Everything anyone says is turned on its head and linked with something so far removed that it is

impossible that they could be even remotely involved. Killings rage throughout the world and in places of which we would never before have dreamed. But to even mention such a tragedy is to

become linked with it in the mindlessness of a thousand accusers.

What are we to do in the light of this melee? However unlikely is seems, if everyone were to speak

well of you, just beware! They are praising you to your face, but speaking despicably of you when

you are not present. What are we to do?

First, love your enemies. The word “love” is agape. The Holy Spirit loves them through us when

we find it impossible to love them by ourselves alone. Second, “do good to those who hate you.” Accomplish something honorable, something commendable on their behalf. Third, “bless,” speak

well, say good things about those who say evil things against you. Finally, pray, beseech the LORD

to do good for those who mistreat you. Nobody said it was easy. But, it’s only our carnal, selfish selves that want “to get even.” When the LORD handles things, He redeems the offending parties and restores a friendship we thought had been lost forever. God bless you and you forgive others!

Our love and prayers are for you on a daily basis,

Nana & Dado III

(Rose Marie & Gene)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.

Springdale, Arkansas 72764

United States of America

“We never know that God is all we need

until He becomes all that we have.”