"But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be children of your Father in heaven." Matthew 5:44
On Saturday it was reported that Pinnacle Park west of Asheville, NC, was closed after a runner's foot was impaled by a nail that was purposely placed on a popular trail. Since then, more than 40 additional nails have been found, hammered into tree roots and logs. Brian Barwatt, an engineer with the Department of Transportation, who is leading the cleanup said, “It was a deliberate effort. Someone hammered 4-inch long galvanized nails and left them sticking out a half- to 1 inch, and at an angle so they’re like spikes. It’s hard to believe someone would do this and put a lot of effort in to doing this."
You know, he's absolutely right-it is hard to believe that someone, for no apparent reason, would want to hurt someone they've never met and has done them no harm isn't it? I mean it would be a whole other thing to injure or retaliate against an enemy or someone who has slighted us right? Wrong. The Bible tells us that you and I are to love others, even our enemies and those who would wish to do us harm. And not only to love them but to pray for them as well-and, in this way, overcome evil with good.
And while we may never know why people do the mean things they do, we do know that they wouldn't do it if Jesus was the Lord of their lives. So today, let us be ever so wary of the dangers around us but not let them stop us from showing the love and forgiveness of Christ.
Heavenly Father, thank you for your Word that clearly tells us that we are to love those that would do us harm. And while we may not understand why, please fill us with your love that we would have the strength to do it. And may we, in this way, influence others to surrender their lives to you. It's in your precious name we pray Jesus. Amen.
Happy Running!!!
Forgiveness - Matthew West
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