Romans 12:17-21 says; “Repay no one evil for evil, but give thought to do what is honorable in the sight of all. If possible, so far as it depends on you, live peaceably with all. Beloved, never avenge yourselves, but leave it to the wrath of God, for it is written, “Vengeance is mine, I will repay, says the Lord.” To the contrary, “if your enemy is hungry, feed him; if he is thirsty, give him something to drink; for by so doing you will heap burning coals on his head.” Do not be overcome by evil, but overcome evil with good.” This is a powerful passage that some people have a hard time living out. However, on Sunday morning I had the opportunity to watch someone live out this passage of scripture!
Sunday morning I was making the announcements before the worship service started when an elderly man, who I will call John, spoke up and asked if he could ask a question. My mind raced with what this gentleman wanted to ask. I had just announced that there would be a business meeting that night and that there would be another business meeting in two weeks. I figured he would ask something related to church business, in which I would have to inform him that unless it was an urgent need, it would need to wait till that night’s business meeting.
However, to my great surprise, John wanted to know how he could help someone. Here is what he said: “What do you for someone who you have known a long time and I haven’t had much use for them, I thought he was worthless and then they come down with something like cancer? What can I do for him? I feel sorry for him.” After a few minutes of him sharing more about the situation, he told the church that the man is his ex-son-n-law. Here is a man who probably for years would consider his ex-son-n-law as an enemy. It was obvious that John did not care for him at all! John could have done nothing to reach out to his ex son-n-law, but he wanted to reach out to him.
So what allowed John to want to reach out to his ex-son-n-law? The answer is quite simple really. The answer is a changed life in Jesus Christ. If I am not mistaken, John decided to follow Jesus Christ just a few years ago. John allowed Jesus Christ to work in his heart and his attitude towards his ex-son-n-law was change. He did wanted to do what is honorable in the sight of all, but more importantly he wanted to do what was right in the sight of God! He wanted to help; he wanted to reach out with the love of Jesus Christ! This is ministry in the purest form! John was showing compassion when normally compassion might not have been granted. Ephesians 4:30 & 31 says, “Get rid of all bitterness, rage, anger, harsh words, and slander, as well as all types of evil behavior. Instead, be kind to each other, tenderhearted, forgiving one another, just as God through Christ has forgiven you.” When a heart is changed, then the behavior changes and we see that in John! Praise the name of Jesus!
When we allow ourselves to be “In His Grip” our lives are change radically! I admire John’s willingness to be used by Jesus Christ. John did not say if his ex-son-n-law is a believer in Christ, if he isn’t, then I hope this will open up the door for the sharing of Jesus Christ. I pray more of us become more like John by allowing our hearts to be In His Grip! To sum it all up, “Now that is being “In His Grip!”
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