The Grands Letter

Dear Grands,

Romans 12:9-21, “Let love be without hypocrisy. Abhor what is evil; cling to what is good.
10 Be devoted to one another in brotherly love; give preference to one another in honor;
11 not lagging behind in diligence, fervent in spirit, serving the Lord;
12 rejoicing in hope, persevering in tribulation, devoted to prayer,
13 contributing to the needs of the saints, practicing hospitality.
14 Bless those who persecute you; bless and do not curse.
15 Rejoice with those who rejoice, and weep with those who weep.
16 Be of the same mind toward one another; do not be haughty in mind, but associate with the lowly. Do not be wise in your own estimation.
17 Never pay back evil for evil to anyone. Respect what is right in the sight of all men.
18 If possible, so far as it depends on you, be at peace with all men.
19 Never take your own revenge, beloved, but leave room for the wrath of God, for it is written, “VENGEANCE IS MINE, I WILL REPAY,” says the Lord.
20 “BUT IF YOUR ENEMY IS HUNGRY, FEED HIM, AND IF HE IS THIRSTY, GIVE HIM A DRINK; FOR IN SO DOING YOU WILL HEAP BURNING COALS ON HIS HEAD.”
21 Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.”

One of the most difficult achievements in life is getting along with other
people. Pastors, close friends, counselors, psychologists, even psychiatrists
are often earnestly sought for their answers to getting along with other people.

After seeking answers from trusted friends and “professionals,” many
simply give up trying. “There’s no way on earth to get along with her
(or him)! There is no hope! She (he) is simply incorrigible!” But, is that
true? Or is there not a better way to maintain (or remake) a friendship?

Paul commences his response to this dilemma with an emphasis on love.
Don’t respond insincerely. Don’t be hypocritical! Be loving.

I once witnessed an intense accusation against a formidible opponent.
When he replied, he began by thanking his accuser for the opportunity to
respond to such a difficult question. His accuser was clearly not expecting
such a warm reply, and was thrown off balance. The argument was over.

Yes, it’s true! Some people just resist all compatibility. They’re just “spoiling
for a fight,” no matter how congenially they are befriended. Yet, there is never
a time for a true believer to engage in a hostile exchange with anyone. We
must learn to smile, quote words of love from Jesus, as we express and
expound love toward an adversary.

Unfortunately, it is true that there are some people with whom we will never
be able to get along. What then are we to do? “Leave room for the wrath of
God.” They will either come to understand and embrace His Grace, or He
will engulf them with His wrath. Just be sure you get out of His way!

Heartily in Christ Jesus,

(Dado III)

Gene L. Jeffries, Th.D.
Springdale, Arkansas 72764
United States of America

“We never know that Christ is all we need until He becomes all that we have.” – Corrie ten Boom